Strategic Partnerships & Diverse Talent Pipelines: Driving Business Growth

At BGSF, we recognize that strong community partnerships are key to driving sustainable business success. Our recent Empower Hour, hosted by Black Voices & Allies, focused on how fostering strategic collaborations can enhance innovation, improve workforce engagement, and create long-term growth opportunities. This conversation was especially meaningful as we honored Black History Month, celebrating the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black professionals and entrepreneurs who continue to shape industries and drive change.

Honoring Black History Month Through Community Impact and Business Growth

Eric Peters, Division President of our Professional Division and the executive sponsor of this Connect Group, set the tone for the call by referencing the late Darrell Freeman, who often challenged leaders to ask: What are you going to do about it? The focus was on actionable steps—such as partnering with Blacks in Technology—to bridge opportunity gaps and drive meaningful impact. As we reflect on Black History Month, this call reinforced the importance of advancing economic empowerment and expanding access to opportunities for Black professionals.

We were honored to have two of our partners from Blacks in Technology Nashville join the call:

• Holly Rachel & Lena Winfrey (Blacks in Technology Nashville) – Advocates for tech education and entrepreneurship, expanding access to opportunities for underrepresented groups.

• Natasha Davis & Lakia Ross (BGSF Property Management Team Members) – Leaders in workforce initiatives, promoting inclusive hiring strategies and talent development.

Each panelist shared actionable strategies for leveraging partnerships to create business value, emphasizing how investing in community-driven initiatives leads to talent growth, business innovation, and long-term success.

Building Stronger Businesses Through Community Engagement

The discussion underscored the importance of building mutually beneficial partnerships:

• Workforce Development: Collaborating with organizations that provide training and upskilling opportunities to expand talent pipelines, particularly for Black professionals in STEM and other high-growth industries.

• Community Outreach: Strengthening engagement with local groups to drive industry innovation and create meaningful employment pathways that uplift historically marginalized communities.

• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Aligning efforts across businesses, education institutions, and nonprofit organizations to build a more competitive and inclusive workforce.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

To maximize the impact of these partnerships, the following strategies were outlined:

• Enhance Employer Engagement: Strengthen relationships with community organizations to access diverse talent.

• Expand Industry Collaborations: Leverage partnerships to build long-term workforce development strategies.

• Increase Visibility: Actively participate in community-led initiatives to support local economies and drive business growth.

• Measure Impact: Track the effectiveness of partnerships to ensure alignment with business goals.

Moving Forward: A Commitment to Growth and Legacy

Jenna Coleman closed the session by reinforcing that strategic partnerships are key to sustainable business success. Investing in strong relationships with community organizations fosters growth, innovation, and a stronger, more resilient workforce.

By continuing to build meaningful connections, BGSF remains committed to strengthening businesses, expanding opportunities, and fostering long-term success through community engagement.