Speak Woman Magazine - April 2024 Issue

EDITOR S NOTE

Life brings us countless transitions that shape our paths, test our faith, and mold our character. TheApril issue of Speak Woman Magazine is a tribute to the power of embracing transition. From the shifting seasons of our careers to the evolving landscapes of our relationships, each transition invites us to step boldly into the unknown, trusting in God's divine plan for our lives.

Our articles offer insights and inspiration for navigating life's transitions with grace and authenticity. We also explore the power of hope, the influence being, and practical tips for women to take charge of their financial futures through investment apps tailored to their

Additionally, we shine a spotlight on Black Girl “code-switching”, a complex reality for many Black Women leading in the corporate realm. switching is and we celebrate women who refuse to compromise their authenticity in the face of societal pressures.

As you embark on your journey of transition, may you find solace in the knowledge that you are not alone. You have the power to navigate life's twists and turns with courage and unwavering faith! Here’s to a Blossoming Spring!

Continued

Blessings, Shanda Campbell, Editor-At-Large

invigorating greens of a blossoming garden, colors surround us and shape our experiences in subtle yet powerful ways.

The Psychology of Color:

Color psychology is the study of how colors affect human behavior, emotions, and cognition. It explores the psychological effects of different hues, tones, and shades, revealing their ability to elicit emotional responses and shape our world perception. While individual reactions to color may vary based on our experiences and cultural influences, there are some universal associations that inform our emotional responses to colors.

Energizing Warm Tones:

Warm colors, such as reds, oranges, and yellows, are vibrant hues have the power to uplift our mood, boost our energy levels, and evoke feelings of warmth and enthusiasm. Warm tones can infuse our surroundings with vitality and joy, making them perfect choices for energizing and invigorating our wardrobe or home décor.

Calming Cool Hues:

On the other end of the spectrum, cool colors like blues, greens, and purples are known for their calming and soothing effects. These hues can evoke feelings of tranquility, relaxation, and harmony, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of inner peace, making them ideal choices for promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.

Balancing Neutrals:

Harnessing the Power of Color:

Neutral colors, such as whites, grays, and browns, provide a sense of balance and stability. These versatile hues serve as a backdrop for other colors to shine while also creating a sense of sophistication and elegance.

By understanding the psychological effects of color, we can harness the power to enhance our mood and emotional well-being. Whether it's incorporating colorful accents into our wardrobe, adding a splash of color to our home decor, or spending time in nature surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, we can choose to embrace the transformative power of color to enhance our mood and enrich our lives this Spring.

Top Investment Apps for Taking Charge of Your Financial Future

In today's digital age, technology has revolutionized the way we approach investing, making it easier and more accessible than ever before. For women interested in taking control of their financial futures, investment apps may offer a convenient and user-friendly way to start investing, even with limited resources. While there is risk involved, there are investment apps tailored to women which may serve as a starting point for beginning investors to realize their long-term goals.

Ellevest

Designed with women in mind, Ellevest is an investment platform that aims to close the gender investment gap. With Ellevest, users can set personalized financial goals based on their circumstances and risk tolerance. Ellevest also offers educational resources and support from financial experts to help women feel confident and empowered in their investment decisions.

Robinhood

Robinhood is a commission-free investing app that has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and accessibility. With Robinhood, users can buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies without paying any trading fees. The app offers a simple and intuitive trading experience, making it ideal for beginners who want to dip their toes into the world of investing. Robinhood allows users to invest in high-priced stocks with as little as $1.

Acorns

Acorns is a micro-investing app that helps users save and invest their spare change. WithAcorns, users can link their debit and credit cards to the app, which automatically rounds up their purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio of ETFs.Additionally, Acorns offers recurring investment options, retirement accounts, and advice to help users achieve their financial goals. The app is perfect for beginners who want to start investing with small amounts of money.

Stash

Stash is an investment app that aims to make investing simple. With Stash, users can choose from a selection of pre-built investment portfolios tailored to different risk profiles and investment goals. The app also offers educational content and guidance to help users learn the basics of investing and make informed decisions. Stash is ideal for beginners who want to start investing with as little as $5 and build a diversified portfolio over time.

CULTIVATING HOPE

In the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties, hope stands as a powerful force that propels us forward, lighting the way in even the darkest of times. Women often find ourselves navigating a myriad of obstacles, from personal struggles to societal pressures. Yet, it is hope that serves as our guiding light, igniting resilience and perseverance within us.

Cultivating Hope

Hope is not wishful thinking or blind optimism; it is a soul belief in the possibility of more, of better! It is the unwavering faith that, no matter how dire the circumstances, there is always the potential for positive change and growth. Hope fuels our dreams and aspirations, infusing our lives with purpose and meaning.

Life is full of twists and turns, but it is hope that helps us navigate the turbulent waters with courage and resilience. In times of hardship, hope offers solace and strength, reminding us that even the darkest night morning is sure to come. It gives us the courage to face our fears, confront our obstacles, and emerge stronger on the other side.

Hope may feel elusive at times, but it can be cultivated and nurtured. Surrounding ourselves with prayer, positive influences, practicing gratitude first, and fostering community are all ways in which we can nurture the flame of hope within us. By embracing hope as a guiding principle in our lives, we can cultivate a sense of optimism and resilience that carries us through even the most challenging of times.

Hope To Inspire

We have the power to inspire hope in others through our words and actions. By sharing our stories, offering support and encouragement to others, and creating solidarity with our sisters around the world we can create a world where hope flourishes, and all women have the opportunity to thrive.

Code-switching is a strategic adaptation technique utilized by Black Women to navigate various social and cultural contexts, especially in the corporate realm. It involves modifying speech patterns, tone, body language, and even appearance to align with the dominant cultural norms prevalent in a given professional environment.

The Pros & Cons

On one hand, code-switching can help us navigate corporate hierarchies and foster recognition for our contributions. On the other hand, it can evoke feelings of dissonance and erasure of cultural identity. It's important for us to strike a balance between adapting to corporate culture and staying true to ourselves.

Black Women Who Refuse To Code-Switch

For some Black women, refusing to code-switch is an act of reclaiming our authenticity and cultural identity in corporate spaces. It's a declaration that we refuse to compromise our true selves or suppress our cultural heritage to fit into corporate molds.

By embracing our natural speech patterns, tone, and appearance, Black Women challenge the notion that professionalism is synonymous with whiteness. We assert our right to bring our full selves to the workplace, unapologetically embracing our cultural heritage and linguistic diversity. Refusing to code-switch also serves as a powerful form of advocacy and representation. It sends a message to other Black Women in the corporate world that they don't have to assimilate or dilute their identities to be successful. It encourages them to embrace their unique perspectives, experiences, and voices, knowing that their authenticity is their greatest strength. Ultimately, the refusal to code-switch challenges systemic inequalities and empowers Black Women to thrive on their own terms in corporate environments.

EMBRACING TRANSITION

None of us are strangers to life's transitions—the moments of change that shape our journey, test our strength, and build our faith. From career shifts to relationship changes, from personal milestones to unexpected health challenges, each transition invites us to embrace the unknown with courage, trust, and a steadfast belief in God's plan for our lives. Here are a few tips to take along with you as you take your own journey of transitions.

Trust in God's Plan

In times of transition, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and doubt. However, as women of faith, we find solace and strength in knowing that we are guided by a loving and sovereign God. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." In moments of doubt or fear, we can lean on this promise, trusting that God's plan for our lives far exceeds our own understanding.

Navigate Change with Grace

As we journey through life's transitions, we are called to navigate change with grace, resilience, and a spirit of surrender. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." By relinquishing control and placing our trust in God, we can navigate the twists and turns of life's journey with confidence and peace.

EMBRACING TRANSITION

Find Strength in Adversity

Transitions often bring with them moments of adversity, challenge, and discomfort. Yet, it is in these moments that our faith is tested and strengthened while our character is forged. James 1:2-4 encourages us to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." By embracing adversity with faith we can emerge from life's transitions stronger, wiser, and more steadfast in our walk with God.

Seek God's Guidance

In times of uncertainty or indecision, we can turn to God's word for guidance and wisdom. Psalm 119:105 assures us, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." By immersing ourselves in scripture and seeking God's guidance through prayer and meditation, we can find clarity and direction as we navigate life's transitions.

Embrace New Beginnings

As we journey through life's transitions, we are reminded that every ending is a new beginning a fresh opportunity for growth, renewal, and transformation. Isaiah 43:19 declares, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." By embracing change with faith and hope, we can step boldly, confident in God's promise to lead us onward to new and abundant life.