What if everyone had access to the social connections they need to thrive?
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This International Women’s Day, and Women’s History Month, the RSA US team has invited female-identifying Fellows to explore how social capital, social connections, and building community, intersect with their work. Throughout the month of March we will feature a series of blogs exploring how social capital – the network of relationships and support systems that help people succeed—can make a world of difference, particularly for women. From journalists to coaches to network architects, these female-identifying Fellows are building bridges, and creating the connective tissue that holds communities together.
I’m a keynote speaker and Chief Diversity Strategist focused on workplace inclusion, gender equity, allyship, and racial justice. Over the past decade, I led the establishment of Minnesota’s first nationally designated Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center at a community college and worked with U.S. embassies in Pakistan and Scotland, via the U.S. Speakers Program, to promote community inclusion. My publications include “How to Be an Ally and Create Inclusion Using the A.C.A. Pillars” and “Black Womb Dialogues: A Poetic Intersection of Womanhood and Blackness.” I also host a television series called “Diversity Minute.”
Social capital refers to the strength and power of your network. Growing up with a low socioeconomic background, I found it challenging to understand the concept of social capital and how to cultivate it. Many individuals with similar experiences can relate to the visible benefits of social capital, whether it’s a child gaining access to exclusive programs because their parents know influential CEOs or someone landing a job without an interview due to connections. While we can see these advantages, the concept often feels out of reach.
It wasn’t until I progressed in my career and conducted research on supporting minoritized identities that I truly grasped the importance of intentionally building a strong network. Since then, my work with Employee Resource Groups, post-secondary students, and dedicated allies has focused on providing strategies for establishing connections and sharing access to those connections. The lack of opportunities contributes to systemic inequities, so I encourage those committed to social change to help extend their networks to others.
I believe there’s enough “cake” for everyone. Supporting allyship is essential, so let’s ensure everyone at the table gets a slice.
Opportunities for Black women, as paid keynote speakers or panelists, are often limited compared to other groups. While I may not always be the first choice for speaker rosters, my social capital has helped me secure opportunities and refer other women of color who are often overlooked. I believe there’s enough “cake” for everyone. Supporting allyship is essential, so let’s ensure everyone at the table gets a slice. This can be life-changing for many of us! By extending our networks together, we can create meaningful change.
When I became interested in pursuing a professional career in academia, I felt lost while working as administrative support staff. Surrounded by professionals in leadership roles, I struggled to find my way in and received vague advice like “You need to work hard.” This was not enough for someone who already had a strong work ethic.
I began searching for organizations that supported individuals like me and discovered the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education. A conference in my area provided an opportunity to meet supportive Black CEOs and VPs, marking the start of my journey to build social capital and pursue my doctorate.
Now, as an established professional, I aim to connect with others, which is why I joined the RSA. I believe we all have something valuable to offer one another.
It felt strange to work in a field I’m passionate about while lacking access to crucial information for progress. This reflects systemic oppression, whether related to poverty or gender barriers. Challenging the status quo brings significant obstacles, and a lack of social capital exacerbates this struggle.
As a practitioner, I focus on truth-telling and finding solutions. I recognize that not everyone starts their journey at the same point, which affects their paths. I’ve used my experiences to inform my work and highlight the challenges others face.
Marginalization pushes these issues and their stories to the sidelines. I am committed to amplifying these concerns to ensure effective strategies are developed to address them.
There needs to be increased education on social capital—how to build and strengthen it, and how to share networks and opportunities with those who are less connected. This is vital for anyone striving to be a human-justice-focused change agent. Mentorship is crucial; we must share knowledge and support one another. Anyone committed to social change should actively share access and opportunities with others.
Dr. Rassheedah Watts FRSA is a keynote speaker and Chief Diversity Strategist, based in the U.S. If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Rassheedah Watts, and her work, then you can visit her website https://www.drrassheedah.com
Do you want to learn more about our Social Connections intervention in the U.S.? Get in touch with our team to find out more. Email them today at general.us@thersa.org. Or you can sign up to our Social Connections newsletter.
Our social connections work will oversee a step-change in encouraging approaches and practices that value and commit to stewarding social capital.
