she navigated being labeled and misunderstood, but also deeply respected. I saw what it meant to lead as a woman of color inside a predominantly white institution. Watching her use her power, voice, and influence to challenge systems and advocate for women and people of color taught me so much about the kind of leader I wanted to be. She showed me what it means to be strong and strategic—and to never forget the people you’re fighting for. Cole: What inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit field, and how did you get started? Boothe: I wanted other women to get free. To be liberated. To use their gifts to build something they owned—instead of spending their lives being labor for someone else’s dream. Sistahbiz is actually my first long-term leadership role in the nonprofit world. I come from the for- profit startup space, with a background in politics and education. I’ve worked at the Small Business Administration, helped pass landmark legislation at our state capitol, and launched businesses of my own. I started Sistahbiz because I saw so many Black women leaving corporate jobs seeking entrepreneurial freedom—only to encounter struggle and systemic barriers. We are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the country, but we’re also the lowest earning. That’s not because we’re not capable—it’s because we’re underfunded, undercoached, and systemically excluded. Still, for me, this work goes far beyond coaching or training. I’m on panels. I’m in boardrooms. I’m meeting with mayors and elected officials. Sistahbiz is not just a coaching org—it’s an advocacy organization. It started with one woman asking me for a coaching session—just to learn how I started my business. Then 10 more came. Then 150. And today, our team has supported thousands across 28 states. It wasn’t a planned nonprofit journey— but it was always a purpose-led one.
Photo: McBoat Photography
Cole: What do you believe to be the most important piece of advice for a leader to follow? Boothe: Model what you hope to see. As a leader, your actions speak louder than your words. They shape the culture of your organization and set the tone for how people show up. If you welcome feedback and hold yourself accountable, you’ll create a space where others feel safe to do the same. If you lead with candor, transparency, and authenticity, you build a culture where the truth is safe. If you challenge the status quo, you invite innovation—and your people will gain the confidence to think creatively and build boldly alongside you. And most importantly, remember this: you want to send people off better than they came to you—stronger, wiser, more healed, more skilled,
23 The Acumen
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