Torch, a leadership and coaching enterprise, has acquired Praxis Labs, an immersive learning platform that uses AI to build inclusive workplace cultures, for an undisclosed amount. As part of the acquisition, the entire Praxis Labs team will join Torch. Praxis Labs’ co-founders, Elise Smith and Heather Shen, will join Torch as Head of AI Growth and Head of AI Product, respectively. About Praxis Labs Founded in 2019, Praxis Labs is an AI platform that builds critical human skills with research-backed practice simulations, AI coaching, and skills assessments. The startup has
Unemployment rates for Black women are rising, and economists believe this signifies a broader problem. Black women’s unemployment rate increased from 5.1% in March to 6.1% in April and reached an all-time high in May at 6.2% before dropping to 5.8% in June, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported by The 19th. Rates for white and Asian women remained close to 3% and 5% for Latinas, in comparison. Experts believe that this highlights a strain in the economy. Why is this concerning? Due to systemic racism
Liquify, a woman-owned trading finance platform, has secured $1.5 million in seed funding. Future Africa led the raise, with participation from Launch Africa Ventures, 54 Collective, Digital Africa, Equitable Ventures, and angel investors. The Ghanaian company was founded by Nadya Yaremenko and Alberta Asafo-Asamoah in 2023 to connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa with global capital markets. How does Liquify work? The startup operates an invoice finance marketplace that connects African SME’s with global capital markets. Its platform exports allow exporters to turn unpaid invoices into same-day cash, and international investors can receive
Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Ford, a math teacher in Atlanta, will be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame, making her the sixth Black woman to receive the award. As a mathematics educator, Jones has been teaching for over 20 years at Ron Clark Academy in Southeast Atlanta, going above and beyond for her students. She employs unique strategies that empower students, broaden their engagement, and foster a strong sense of community. “I’m incredibly proud to be among such amazing educators, but it lets me know there’s still work
TIAA President and CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett has joined the WNBA’s New York Liberty as an investor. Other celebrities with minority stakes in the team include Jack Ma, Karen Finerman, Karlie Kloss, Gabrielle Rubenstein, and Samantha Lasry; however, Duckett is the only Black investor on the list. “Sports has made a profound impact in my life. It taught me grit, perseverance, teamwork and resilience. To be an investor in women’s sports and the NY Liberty franchise is truly an impact moment,” Duckett said in an Instagram post. Duckett joins the
Black Girls Code and haircare brand The Doux have partnered to launch a competition for girls and young women to use AI to create original videos that reflect their self-perception. The Black Beauty AI Challenge is the first of its kind, and competition entries will help shape how AI understands the nuances of Black identity. Teaching AI about Black beauty Participants as young as 13 will have the opportunity to win up to $1,500 in cash prizes, with submissions evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges. “At Black Girls Code,
Tennis star Coco Gauff is building on her partnership with UPS by teaming up with entrepreneur Emma Grede to advise small-business owners. Gauff became a UPS brand partner in 2023. The new campaign, titled “Unlocking Potential,” leads with Grede mentoring three upcoming entrepreneurs — Classy Casita, Petrova Chocolates, and Anima Iris. Grede and Gauff supporting small-business owners The campaign, created by The Martin Agency, begins with an anime-inspired spot featuring the 20-year-old phenom announcing her collaboration with Grede. Then, Grede will meet with the entrepreneurs to offer advice and mentorship.
Serena Williams has joined an initiative created by Reckitt to support up to 200 health and hygiene start-ups founded by women and under-represented entrepreneurs. The initiative, called Reckitt Catalyst, is a five-year commitment with up to £10 million ($13.7 million) to provide entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and expertise from Reckitt leaders and Serena Williams. Since 2020, the company has helped 60 entrepreneurs across 13 countries, allowing business owners to unlock access to health, clean water, and sanitation for one million people, as stated in a press release. What is Reckitt
Kisha A. Brown, an award-winning civil rights attorney and speaker, is the founder of Justis Connection, a Black-owned legal tech platform. Justis Connection enables individuals to connect with trusted Black lawyers across various legal practices. It has recently announced its plan to prepare 1,000 Black lawyers ready to serve 1 million Black households across the United States. Black lawyers are still a minority Even though Black people in the US make up 13% of the population, Black lawyers represent approximately 5% of the legal profession, a figure that has remained
Kande Sill, 16, has been awarded the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, one of the UK’s most prestigious honors for young engineering talent. Her award-winning project, “Enhancing Medical Delivery,” explores how drones can securely transport critical medical supplies, such as vaccines and blood, to underserved communities. Medical drone innovation Sill’s design features an insulated, theft-resistant container and a delivery mechanism designed for safety and precision. “My project focused on the development of a secure medical drone delivery system to transport sensitive items while preventing theft,” she told her school. The Arkwright Scholarship
