This initiative, the #300kBounceBack, was created in response to the staggering number of Black women who were pushed out of the workforce this year. Rather than sit in the challenges, our community is choosing to rise with intention, strategy, and collective power.

At the heart of the movement is a new national marketplace:
The Bounce Back Marketplace — a centralized destination to circulate intentional dollars into Black woman-owned businesses and uplift the incredible brands shaping our economy, culture, and communities.

About the Marketplace

The Bounce Back Marketplace is more than a directory. It is an economic engine designed to facilitate the next major wealth transfer into Black woman-owned businesses through purposeful consumer choice and community devotion.

The initiative exists to:

• Circulate millions in business-saving capital to Black woman-owned businesses
• Provide economic infrastructure for redistribution and reinvestment
• Create sustainable community economics through shared cultural experiences

By mobilizing 300,000 Black women and allies to intentionally shop with Black woman-owned businesses throughout the holiday season and beyond, we are demonstrating the undeniable force of our collective economic power.

This project was sparked when Bria Hash, founder of the Black Woman Sales Academy, approached BWPL Founder & CEO Reese LaFrances Purnell and invited her to join a national alliance of 15 powerhouse women committed to finding a solution to the financial challenges Black women and Black-owned businesses are currently facing.

This Holiday Season, We Go All In

The call to action is simple, powerful, and urgent:

Take the #BounceBackPledge.
Commit to shopping intentionally with Black woman-owned businesses.
Choose to circulate capital where it matters most.
Join the movement that is demonstrating—in real time—the power of our collective dollar.

Reese adds:

“Our dollars hold weight, and our communities will not wait to be valued. We have a choice, and we’re making it together. This is how we bounce back bigger and better than ever.”

How to Join the Movement

Here’s how BWPL members and supporters can get involved:

1. Take the #BounceBackPledge at www.300kblackwomen.com
2. Follow @300kBlackWomen on Instagram for updates, brand spotlights, and marketplace releases
3. Share the movement with your network and encourage others to pledge
4. Support the featured businesses in The Bounce Back Corner marketplace

The Black Women Professionals League celebrates and stands firmly beside our Inducted League Women who continue to make history, shift culture, and build structures that uplift generations.

Now is our time. Now is our movement. Now is our bounce back.

A Chicago native and global powerhouse, Malik Yusef has redefined what it means to be a lyricist, producer, and cultural architect. With over 15 major music awards, including Grammys with Kanye West, John Legend, and most recently The Weeknd and Lil Baby for Hurricane, Malik’s pen and presence have shaped some of the most iconic music of our time.

His career spans decades of influence—writing and producing for legends like Beyoncé, Common, Vic Mensa, Chance the Rapper, and Ty Dolla $ign—while also serving as a mentor to the next generation of artists. His artistry has earned him not only Grammys, but also ASCAP, Emmy, Tony, and Peabody Awards, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile creatives in the industry.

From co-writing 26 tracks on Kanye West’s Donda to penning “Sandcastles” for Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Malik Yusef has been the voice behind the music that moves us. And now, he’s bringing his unmatched energy and artistry to BWPL’s milestone celebration.

Even more exciting, Malik will be debuting a song from his highly anticipated new album, “Good M.U.S.I.C. Universe Presents Bad Kids Drinking Hot Sauce And Writing In Crayon.”

Want a sneak peek? Scan the QR code below to explore the album in advance:

This performance isn’t just about music; it’s about legacy. Malik’s story of resilience, transformation, and mastery resonates deeply with our vision at BWPL celebrating the strength, brilliance, and impact of Black leadership.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of celebration, connection, and artistry.

DuSable Museum of African American History
Friday, October 3, 2025
BWPL 10th Year Anniversary After Party

You don’t want to miss this historic moment. Secure your tickets today and join us as we honor a decade of dedication and dance the night away with a Chicago legend.

[Get Your Tickets Now]

This opportunity is more than a seat at a celebration. It’s a front-row invitation to witness Black women’s excellence, leadership, and collective social impact in action.

Who’s Eligible

• High school juniors or seniors
• Able to submit one original essay (350 words or less) responding to one of the prompts below

Essay Prompts (Choose One — 350 words or less)

1) Celebrating Black Women’s Leadership in the Professional World
“Black women have historically had to break barriers to achieve success in various professional fields. How do you believe Black women in leadership roles today are inspiring future generations? Describe a Black woman leader who has inspired you and explain why her leadership matters.”

2) Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Resilience
“Throughout history, Black women have faced numerous challenges but have continually demonstrated resilience and perseverance. What qualities do you think make Black women resilient, and how can young girls today embody these qualities in their own lives to overcome challenges?”

How to Submit

• Email your essay to info@bwplinc.com
• Subject line: The AC Green Show Essay Contest to Attend the 40 of 40 Awards
• Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025 at midnight (submit by 11:59 p.m. CT to be safe)

Selection & Announcement

• Essays will be reviewed for clarity, originality, and alignment with the prompt.
• Winners will be announced live on The AC Green Show.
• Excerpts may be read on-air and featured across BWPL platforms.

What Winners Receive

• A sponsored ticket to attend the BWPL 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony
• Exposure to a powerful network of Black women professionals across industries
• Inspiration, mentorship moments, and a celebration you won’t forget

This collaboration reflects what we believe at BWPL: when we invest in Black girls today, we strengthen Black women’s leadership tomorrow. We’re grateful to The AC Green Show for championing this vision with us.

Encourage a junior or senior you know to apply and help us celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and leadership of our future.

Since its founding in 2015, BWPL has inducted nearly 360 women leaders and provided hundreds of young women with opportunities for workforce development, mentorship, and college completion support.

The 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony remains BWPL’s signature event, recognizing 40 Black women under 40 for their outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership. These honorees represent the broader community of trailblazers who embody BWPL’s mission to support the holistic advancement of Black women by broadening professional networks, enhancing leadership skills, and fostering collective social impact.

“This milestone is a testament to the love, patience, healing, and growth it takes to sustain a vision for 10 years,” said Reese LaFrances Purnell, Founder and CEO of BWPL. “What started as a simple initiative to engage, empower, and encourage young women to serve has grown into one of Chicago’s premiere organizations for Black women. I am overjoyed with a heart of pure gratitude to have made it this far.”

In addition to the awards ceremony, BWPL’s 10th Anniversary Celebration will include:

• A special recognition of BWPL’s “10 Years, 10 Champions”, honoring inductees from 2015–2019 who have remained deeply committed to advancing the League’s mission.
• A commemorative 10th Anniversary Yearbook highlighting the stories, impact, and achievements of BWPL members.

Over the past 10 years, BWPL has:

• Impacted over 500 young women through leadership and workforce initiatives.
• Inducted 360 Black women leaders across multiple industries.
• Contributed more than 1,000 hours of community service.
• Expanded its programs to address issues including mental health and wellness, and generational wealth.

Tickets for the 10th Anniversary Celebration + 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony are available now at [Insert Ticket Link].

About Black Women Professionals League (BWPL)
Founded in 2015 by Social Entrepreneur Cheresa “Reese” LaFrances Purnell, the Black Women Professionals League is a membership-based organization dedicated to honoring influential Black women, cultivating leadership, and expanding opportunities for personal and professional growth. With the declaration “I Support Black Women,” BWPL continues to serve as a national catalyst inspiring women leaders of color to lead with GRACE — grit, respect, accountability, compassion, and excellence.

Press Contact:
Black Women Professionals League
Email: info@bwplinc.com
Website: www.bwplinc.com

We often hear stories of those who spent the majority of their lives pursuing a career because that’s what someone told them they should do. And rather than disappoint their loved one, they followed the path of most resistance to prove they were a good son/daughter, spouse, etc. They put someone else’s opinions before their own passion and intuition. When we read these stories, the question often asked is why would someone do that? Why would someone be solely driven by their need to prove someone wrong or right?

Well, here are 4 ways how we get stuck trying to prove ourselves to other people:

1. We don’t want to be labeled a failure

Oftentimes we will stay in jobs, relationships, partnerships etc. because we don’t want to feel like we failed. We don’t want to “look bad” to our parents, family, friends, or associates. No one likes to admit when they’re wrong or made a mistake especially if we went hard about the decision in the first place. We let the embarrassment and shame of our choices keep us pigeonholed in situations that may no longer be good for us. But staying stuck just to prove a point is way more damaging to our self-esteem than walking away. Being able to admit when we’ve jumped the gun develops our character and keeps us humble. At the end of the day, all we’ve done is prove that we’re human. Remember, there are no losses, only lessons!

2. We say yes or over commit

Busy is a drug that a lot of people are addicted to” -Rob Bell. Ah yes! We live in a culture that seems to have an utter disdain for stillness. But seasons of quietude is when we often receive the most clarity and direction. We’ve become accustomed to believing though if you’re not constantly busy doing something then obviously you are not being productive. But being busy does not necessarily equate to success. However, we’ve been conditioned to say yes to things we probably shouldn’t in hopes it will be our opportunity to gain the approval or respect of those we love or admire. This idea keeps many of us overextended and burnt out. The goal is not to be busy but purposeful. Trust me, when you begin to show up not just for someone to see that you’re there but start showing up because there is a divine purpose for you being there, you will go a lot further faster.

3. We say no and never commit

So on the flip-side of the coin, some of us get trapped trying to prove we don’t need anyone so we say no or never commit to anything. But no man is an island. We all need mentors, good counsel, great connections, and willing workers to get to where we want to go. Don’t let your pride have you trying to prove you can do it on your own. 

4. We Refuse to Forgive

Now I would have to say this is the most powerful one of them all. Lack of forgiveness is probably the number one motivation behind proving ourselves to others. We’ve all had situations in our lives where we’ve felt overlooked, unappreciated, or underestimated. And when that comes from those we love, respect, or admire it can be downright devastating. The pain of being undervalued usually sends us into a space of “I’ll show them.” After you “show them” and they don’t respond/react the way you hoped, you’ll still feel empty and unfulfilled. So FORGIVE them! Whoever it was, let it go. Move on because I’m sure they have.

So what’s motivating you? Don’t waste your time and energy pursuing things just to prove somebody wrong or right. At the end of the day, your life and those you’re trying to prove something to more than likely could care less. Your purpose here on earth is greater than getting someone’s approval. Don’t second guess who you are and your ability to accomplish your God-ordained destiny. Stay divinely connected to your true calling and everything else will fall in place. That is how you live a truly free and abundant life.

AFFIRM DAILY: I LOVE AND APPROVE OF MYSELF. I AM WORTHY & I AM ENOUGH.

Reese LaFrances Purnell

Founder/CEO, Black Women Professionals League

The Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Awards celebrate local African American women who inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service. For their successes as a businesswoman, community activists, philanthropists or entrepreneurs, the Defender’s readership nominated them for this distinction. They were chosen from hundreds of nominees and will be joining the ranks of Chicagoland’s most influential women. 

I am so happy to finally share some exciting news about The League!

Since our inception in 2015, The League has accomplished a lot of great things. We have officially inducted 200 young women professionals through our 40 Under 40 Award Ceremony; provided resources and support to over 300 college students; and, hosted quarterly networking events that allowed hundreds of young women professionals to connect and receive personal and professional development. We’ve also had the opportunity to be featured on Rolling Out, Jet Magazine, Ebony, N’Digo Magapaper, The Chicago Defender, The Chicago Citizen, Soul 106.3, Inspiration 102.3, and more.

However, while making many significant strides, we recognized our areas of improvement. In an effort to be more inclusive and intentional about who we are and who we serve, we’ve made a decision to change our name to the Black Women Professionals League. In addition to changing our name we have improved upon our company structure, which includes new leadership and new programming.

We have had the opportunity to learn, grow and evolve which is not an easy feat. But we are here and glad that you are still here with us as well.

Join us as we celebrate our GRADUATION to a more inclusive and expansive mission to support the advancement of professional Black women while galvanizing them to make a social impact.