DEI Cuts Are Fueling a New Wave of Black Women Entrepreneurs

Corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are facing cuts across industries, often framed as budget decisions. But for many Black women in the workforce, these reductions have become a turning point. A moment to rethink careers, take control, and build something of their own. With mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and sponsorships disappearing, more women are stepping away from traditional corporate roles and launching businesses.

Here are some some the women turning setbacks into opportunities:

1. Janice Gassam Asare (BWG Business Solutions)

Dr. Janice Gassam Asare built her career as an anti‑racism educator, DEI consultant, speaker and writer before the corporate retrenchment of DEI roles became widespread.

With a PhD in industrial‑organizational psychology, her early work focused on hiring bias, anti‑Blackness and equity interventions. She founded BWG Business Solutions, an award‑winning consultancy that helps organizations develop more inclusive and equitable cultures, guiding strategy, training, workshops and leadership coaching.

In recent years, as some companies reduced long‑term DEI contracts and shifted language away from traditional “diversity” framing, Gassam Asare adapted by positioning her firm to focus on sustainable, impact‑driven cultural transformation rather than seasonal or headline PR diversity efforts.

2. Stephanie Felix (Consulting Firm)

Stephanie Felix was a corporate DEI professional at a major workplace review platform when she witnessed firsthand how limited authority, resourcing and support undercut the impact of DEI roles. Feeling that diversity hires were celebrated in theory but sidelined in practice, Felix chose in early 2024 to leave her corporate role and launch her own consulting business, Stephanie Aida Felix Consulting.

Her firm focuses on dynamic DEI, social impact, organizational change and ESG (environment, social and governance) strategies, helping organizations tackle bias, inclusion and equity challenges with practical guidance rather than symbolic gesture.

3. Angel Rich (The Wealth Factory & CreditRich)

Angel Rich’s story differs in that she didn’t pivot from a DEI corporate role, but she exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit many professionals bring to broader systemic gaps. Starting her journey while still a student, she co‑founded The Wealth Factory Inc.

It is a financial literacy and education technology firm, and later launched the AI‑powered FinTech app CreditRich. The app was designed to help users raise their credit scores and understand financial systems.

Partnering with Experian, Rich became the first Black American woman to secure an institutional partnership with a major credit bureau, reflecting how Black founders often have to forge their own paths in industries that lack robust DEI structures

The Broader Wave

Across sectors like e-commerce, wellness, consulting, FinTech, and healthtech, Black women are seizing opportunities and creating businesses that matter. Venture capital interest in women-led startups is rising, signalling growing confidence in this emerging wave of entrepreneurs.

These founders demonstrate that creativity, determination, and community can fill the gaps left by shrinking DEI programs. Programs that support mentorship, funding, and networking remain critical, but these entrepreneurs are demonstrating that resilience, vision, and strategy can overcome structural barriers.

It’s clear that Black women aren’t waiting for an opportunity to knock. They are building it themselves. They are shaping the next era of entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, inspiring a generation and redefining the U.S. business landscape.