Communities, Organizations, and Mental Health Resources for Black Professionals
Starting a career in the current economic landscape is undoubtedly challenging. And between an uncertain economy, layoffs across tech, and the day-to-day challenges in any job, every professional needs a support system.
To contribute to that support system as we celebrate Black History Month, we’ve rounded up some resources Black professionals can utilize as they begin their careers during these challenging times, from career-oriented communities to professional organizations to mental health resources. See the full list below:
Career Development Communities
These communities and companies offer everything from workshops to networking opportunities to job boards that aren’t specific to one career area. In addition, most offer a free membership tier.
This national organization provides everything from workshops to mentorship to online resources to support the professional growth of Black women, from the entry level all the way to C-Suite. The site also has a public job board, and basic membership is free.
If you’re interested in starting your own business, this organization is a platform and community dedicated to helping Black female founders get their ideas off the ground. This platform appears free to join for students and has a low monthly cost for professionals and founders.
The Memo is a career development company providing tools, access, and a robust community for Black women and women of color and for the companies where they work. This site offers a mix of paid and free programming, including a blog community for additional resources.
This global professional community serves emerging Black and Latinx tech startup founders and technology professionals, providing networking opportunities, access to funding, and career development. Basic membership is free.
This private Facebook group is a network and career development group with regular conversations and discussions on navigating the corporate world. This is a free group to join.
Your Company’s Employee Resource Group or Professional Development Initiatives
If you just started your first job, be sure to ask your manager what kinds of professional development initiatives are available for Black employees. For example, the company might offer mentorship, workshops, or an Employee Resource Group for Black employees.
Professional Organizations
These career-specific organizations provide networking opportunities, mentorship, access to job boards, and career advice resources. Most require an annual membership fee.
African-American Marketing Association
Black Data Processing Associates
National Alliance of Black School Educators
National Association of Black Accountants
National Association of Black Journalists
National Association of African Americans in Human Resources
National Black Nurses Association
National Black MBA Association
National Society of Black Engineers
National Society of Black Physicists
Organization of Black Designers
The Student National Medical Association
Mental Health Resources
These mental health resources provide mental wellness tips and specific directories for Black individuals to seek licensed therapists who are also Black or trained to be culturally sensitive.
This resource is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls and includes a directory of therapists, as well as a podcast and community.
This online directory provides a streamlined way to find a Black therapist while also providing additional mental health resources.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
BEAM is an online directory of licensed Black therapists who are certified to provide telemental health services.
Inclusive Therapists is a directory of therapists who are trained to provide culturally sensitive care, including through times like racial trauma.
Open Path Collective is committed to providing affordable online and in-person therapy sessions and offers online wellness classes.
The Loveland Foundation is committed to helping people of color, especially Black women and girls, receive therapy by providing funding and access.
Liberate is the #1 meditation app for Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. According to their website, the app was originally designed to support BIPOC people on their path to healing by naming and offering resources for common cultural experiences, like internalized racism and micro-aggressions.
Check out these articles for additional mental health resources for the Black community:
Mental Health Resources for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)
Mental Health Resources for the Black Community
8 Mental Health Apps & Resources Supporting Black Americans
Black Mental Health Matters: A Resource Guide
17 Black Mental-Health and Wellness Resources to Follow on Instagram
15 Self-Care Tips for Black Men
Accessible and Supportive Mental Health Resources for Black Woman
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