A Call for Fair Compensation Support Black Women and All Professionals in DEI and Antiracism
As we move toward Black History Month, themed “Reclaiming the Narrative,” I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who attended the Confident Conversations Masterclass and to those who have shared their 5-star feedback. Creating the “How to Have and Facilitate Inclusive Conversations” course has been a labour of love and a necessary step to help organisations progress in their racial equity commitments. Addressing the fear of “getting it wrong” is crucial, and I’m proud of the impact we’re making together.
But I also want to be transparent—bringing this work to life has had its challenges. While there is a growing recognition of the need to address issues of racism and equity, getting organisations to invest in these initiatives can be difficult. I’ve often been asked to provide my expertise for free, which, as much as I’m passionate about this work, is not sustainable. Just as you would never expect a professional like a plumber to solve your problem without fair compensation, those of us who work in the DEI space deserve the same respect for our skills and time.
Challenges Faced by Black Women in DEI and Antiracism Consulting:
Constant Requests for Free Work: There’s an assumption that because we’re passionate, we should be willing to give our expertise for free. While passion drives our work, knowledge and time have real value.
Undervaluation of Expertise: Despite years of experience and proven results, DEI professionals—especially Black women—are often undervalued compared to our peers in other consulting fields.
Emotional and Mental Labor: This work isn’t just about delivering content; it’s about holding space for difficult conversations, navigating resistance, and often dealing with the emotional weight of the topics we teach.
Pressure to Lower Fees: We are constantly under pressure to reduce our pricing to make our work more “accessible,” even when providing affordable options. This compromises our ability to sustain ourselves and grow our businesses.
Isolation and Lack of Support: The burden often falls on a few, making the work isolating. The demand for racial equity shouldn’t rest on the shoulders of Black women alone, without proper support and compensation.
Solutions: How We Can All Do Better
Acknowledge and Pay Fairly for Expertise: Recognize that DEI work is highly skilled. Just as you would invest in legal or financial advice, invest in DEI consultants who bring valuable knowledge and insight into your organisation.
Commit to the Work Beyond Words: It's not enough to say you support racial equity; organisations must be willing to put their money where their values are. Pay fairly for training, consulting, and strategic guidance.
Avoid Asking for Freebies: Whether it's “picking our brains” or asking for a quick chat, remember that our time and insights are valuable. If the work is worth doing, it’s worth paying for.
Invest in Sustainable Models: Support courses, workshops, and resources developed by professionals in this space. This allows for continued growth, innovation, and the ability to reach more people.
Create Equitable Spaces for All Voices: Ensure Black women in DEI have seats at the table and are compensated on par with their peers. Representation is essential, but so is remuneration.
My Commitment and Call to Action
I am incredibly thankful to those of you who have engaged, committed, and continue to invest in this vital work. This is why I’ve created accessible, low-cost resources, like our Academy courses, to ensure more organisations can benefit without compromising quality.
To reduce time-wasting, I am changing how I work, focusing solely on collaborating with organisations that are ready to invest in our work. I am excited to introduce two fantastic team members, Karsten and Peter, who will assist with FAQs. Responses to recurring questions will be available through our podcast or as part of our courses, ensuring you efficiently receive the support you need. I am also pursuing other sustainable ventures that will allow me to continue being active in this field for as long as possible.
Over the past five years, I have researched, developed and tested exceptional frameworks, courses, workshops, and programs designed to support your DEI efforts. If you are looking for direct consultation, my “Pick My Brain” sessions are available at £1100 per hour. I understand that these services are an investment, and if they are beyond your budget, I encourage you to find the professional who fits your financial needs.
It’s important for me to say this: quality work that drives meaningful change requires investment. I’m committed to delivering value and excellence, and I’m grateful to those who understand and support this approach. My goal is not to put anyone off but to set clear expectations. Together, we can continue to create impactful, sustainable progress in the journey toward racial equity.
Thank you for being part of this work. Your support and commitment make all the difference.
Warm regards,
Viana Maya
Founder, pRESPECT
#ReclaimTheNarrative #PayDEIProfessionals #SupportBlackWomen #Leadership #DEIB #InvestInChange #pRESPECT