Women of Color Founders Reveal Epic Struggles and Wins

Published: Feb. 28, 2023, 6 a.m.

b'

When you realize you are role models for millions of women, it\\u2019s both exhilarating and scary. Sister co-founders Angela Muhwezi-Hall and Deborah Gladney had their reckoning this year as women of color founders. Both realized they are role models for all Black women \\u2014 the 99.5 percent that haven\\u2019t yet succeeded in raising capital like they have \\u2014 and they feel added pressure and responsibility to succeed.

Last year when we spoke, these founders covered their oversubscribed raise of $1.4M after completing the Techstars accelerator. In this episode, the sister-founder duo talks about raising more capital and share how it was tougher this time despite both being a \\u201cknown quantity.\\u201d

Listen to them candidly discuss race, venture capitalists, the rebrand of their career-discovery platform to WorkTorch, and their goals for 2023. And yes, we set a date to speak again in 2024 to trace their growth, hardships, and wins.\\xa0

As women of color, the pair discuss role-modeling for other women in entrepreneurship and tech and how important it is to remain confident.\\xa0

Tune in to hear about what they believe they\\u2019ve done well, where they can improve, and their respective goals until we speak next year.\\xa0

\\xa0

2:40 Muhwezi-Hall and Gladney discuss the milestones and barriers of raising capital.\\xa0

8:10 The duo talk discrimination in the tech industry as women of color founders.\\xa0

11:50 Tips for staying fueled and dealing with microaggressions in the workforce\\xa0

14:00 All about WorkTorch and why a rebrand was essential\\xa0

19:45 How WorkTorch is positioned as a B2C and a B2B company, always free for job seekers with a subscription model for companies\\xa0

23:45 The impact and responsibilities Muhwezi-Hall and Gladney face as minority founders

27:20 Three tips about entrepreneurship the founder-duo would give to their past selves\\xa0

31:50 Muhwezi-Hall and Gladney discuss their goals for 2023.

'