Black Women Take Center Stage at the World Economic Forum

Source: Panelists from the panel “Power Redefined: Owning Ambition, Influence, and Equity” (L-R): Chris Foster, CEO OPRG; Miatta Johnson, Co-CEO MVD, Inc.; Adrianne C. Smith, Founder of Can: Diversity Collective; Candace Montgomery CEEVP, The Atlantic; Luana Génot, President & Executive Director ID_BR Brazilian Identities Institute; moderator Avra Lorrimer, Chief Client Officer OPRG – Photo Credit: Porsha Monique for MadameNoire / Porsha Monique

The World Economic Forum (WEF), held annually in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20–25, is a global platform where leaders in business, government, and society collaborate to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. While traditionally dominated by elite power players, WEF has increasingly become a space for diverse voices to shape global dialogue. For Black women, attending WEF is not just about occupying a seat at the table—it’s about redefining the table itself.

MadameNoire was on-site during this year’s forum to find out more about what the global event was all about. While attending the Inkwell Snow Beach activation, a stand-alone activation created by Adrianne C. Smith that’s dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) during WEF, we spoke exclusively with several women attendees who shared their unique perspectives on why Black women in particular should be interested in attending WEF.

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What Happens At WEF?

Source: (L-R)Amala Okpala, Commerce Partnerships, Meta; Francesca Weems, Media Strategist, DEI Leader, FleishmanHillard; Porsha Monique, Founder Revelence & International Journalist (Photo Credit: Porsha Monique for MadameNoire) / Porsha Monique

WEF is more than just a conference—it’s a dynamic convergence of ideas, innovation, and action. Leaders collaborate on issues that address a broad spectrum of global challenges through its various centers and initiatives. Key focus areas include Geopolitics and Trade, Technological Advancement, Economic and Social Inclusion, Urban Development, Environmental Sustainability, Health & Healthcare, Cybersecurity Education and Skills Development. Countries establish exclusive houses around Davos, hosting thought leaders to explore pressing global topics. These spaces, while elite, emphasize the need for diverse voices to create solutions that resonate globally.

The Forum’s primary function is fostering collaboration. As Dr. Renee Branch Canady, CEO of the Michigan Public Health Institute, noted, “Sometimes in our own countries… we think very insularly. But here, we learn lessons about international solutions that might be adapted in our context and meet partners from all over the world to build a broader community.”

Why Black Women Belong At WEF

Source: Panelists from the “AI For Good? How To Build for Inclusion and Belonging” discussion. (L-R) Moderator Doug Melville, CEO Jodie AI; Wanji Walcott, Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer, Pinterest; Dr. Joy Buolamwini, Founder, Artist-in-Chief and President, The Algorithmic Justice League; Af Malhotra, Founder & CEO, Diversity Economics AI. Porsha Monique / Porsha Monique

Black women have historically been underrepresented in global spaces like WEF. However, their presence is not only necessary but transformative. As Quita Highsmith, Chief Diversity Officer at Genentech, passionately stated, “We belong! The more we are seen, the more people recognize we’re standing in our spot where we need to show up, where our voices need to be heard.”

Being at WEF allows Black women to showcase their leadership, foster global partnerships, and gain insights that amplify their impact. Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun, President of the Public Health Accreditation Board, emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives: “We have to have different voices because that makes us all better… We have to share ideas, share solutions, and be partners.”

The Inkwell Snow Beach: A Black Perspective

Source: Porsha Monique / Porsha Monique

While the main WEF events are invitation-only, activations like the Inkwell Snow Beach create spaces specifically for Black leaders to connect and collaborate. Sequoyah “DataBae” Glenn, founder of 924 CoOperative Agency, shared her perspective: “It’s just so important for Black women to be in global spaces… For me, it’s really about knowing other Black women, understanding our collective power, and using it to make money while making even better friends.”

These spaces provide Black women with the opportunity to not only amplify their voices but also inspire others. Ava Toro, Global Insights Researcher at Reddit, explained, “Being here as a Black woman in tech… inspires me and provides the knowledge and connections to uplift other Black women and girls so we can expand our presence at global events.”

Beyond Representation: Driving Change

Source: Panelists from the “Inkbox Talk: We Are Family Foundation” (L-R) Adrianne C. Smith, founder of Can: Diversity Collective, Nile Rodgers, Founder of the “We Are Family Foundation”, Rock & Roll HOF Inductee and Grammy Lifetime Achievement awardee; Chmba, Music Producer, DJ & Director, Youth to the Front Fund “We Are Family Foundation” – Photo Credit Porsha Monique for MadameNoire / Porsha Monique

Attending WEF isn’t just about representation; it’s about driving systemic change. Syreeta Butler, a licensed psychologist and CEO of Just B. Consulting Group, highlighted the unique role Black women play: “We are the consciousness of the world as Black people, especially as Black women. When we find spaces to disrupt or be in, we understand it’s for the greater good of not just Black people, but the world.”

Mary Stutts, CEO of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, added that visibility is key to addressing challenges like workforce shortages: “We need to be visible, vocal, and activate more women of color around women’s health and the workforce.”

A Call To Action

Source: (L-R) Adrianne C. Smith, Founder & visionary of The Can: Diversity Collective and Juan Woodbury, Head of Branded Content & Entertainment Havas (Photo Credit: Porsha Monique for MadameNoire) / Porsha Monique

The WEF represents a global stage where solutions are crafted, collaborations are forged, and futures are shaped. For Black women, attending WEF is more than an opportunity—it’s a necessity. As Tope Ajala, Global Head of DEI at Ogilvy, put it, “Our voice matters. Our voice changes lives, creates impact, and creates true, lasting change that we need to see in the world.”

The next WEF will be here before we know it. Black women, let us take up space, raise our voices, and claim our rightful place in shaping the global agenda. As Syreeta Butler said, “We need your face. We need your presence. We need your energy.”

Let’s show the world what happens when we unite, disrupt, and lead.

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