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The 10 people transforming supply chain - including leaders from Best Buy, Goodr, and Altana

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="10167723" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="jasmine-crowe">Jasmine Crowe</keyword> is the <keyword id="36740" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="founder">founder</keyword> and CEO of <a href="https://www.goodr.co/">Goodr</a>, an Atlanta-based company that fights food waste and hunger by picking up surplus foods from local restaurants and stores and delivering them to hungry families.</li><li>During the pandemic, Crowe has been <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/deliver-meals-to-people-quarantine-why-hunger-needs-national-attention-2020-4">busier than ever</a> expanding <keyword id="10167724" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="goodr">Goodr</keyword> to help more people who are facing food insecurity.</li><li>She says in order to better serve others, she's adopted several daily rituals to prioritize her own mental and physical well-being and avoid burnout.</li><li>Crowe limits her social media usage to one hour in the evenings, spends 15 minutes journaling every night to reflect on her day and what she's grateful for, and practices abundance meditation to manifest positive thinking.</li></ul><p>In 2017, I started Goodr, a company on a mission to solve hunger and food waste. I knew that hunger was not just an issue of scarcity; it's a matter of logistics. </p><p><a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/press-room/child-food-insecurity-could-hit-all-time-high">One in four children</a> is going hungry in the United States and <a href="https://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/press-room/new-usda-report-finds-fewer-people-faced-hunger-2019">over 35 million people suffered from food insecurity in 2019</a>. At the same time, <a href="https://rts.com/resources/guides/food-waste-america/">80 billion pounds</a> of unused food from grocery stores and restaurants end up in landfills every year. The pandemic has continued to illuminate the basic inequalities that exist not only in the US but globally, including <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/11/business/covid-hunger-food-insecurity.html?smid=tw-share">access to food</a>. This is one of the most critical problems of our time, and Goodr is committed to solving it. </p><p>Because we're solving this deeply personal problem, this work is emotionally tolling. It's heartbreaking to see children and families that have no clothes, no shoes, and no food to eat. I consider myself a strong person. But it doesn't matter how strong you are. As a Black female founder — especially with the pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement — every day it feels like it gets harder. In order to help others, I have to prioritize my own well-being, mentally and physically. This held true before the pandemic and focus on Black Lives Matter, but has become even more important now. Here are three rituals I've adopted that have helped me.</p><h2><strong style="color: #000000;">1. Setting social media boundaries </strong></h2><p>For every positive post you see on social media around Black Lives Matter or the pandemic, there is an equally negative one. It is draining to see people arguing about wearing a mask or justifying people of color being killed. To prioritize my mental health, I've limited my Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn screen time to one-hour maximum in the evenings. </p><p>It can be hard to stay off social media, especially with all that's going on in the current environment. I've had to detach myself in order to stay focused on my work. But that doesn't mean I've disconnected at all from my family and friends, in fact, now is the time to reach out to people.</p><p>I make it a priority to talk to my close friends every day via texting or phone calls, and I've also prioritized in-person meetings with friends where it's possible. I have enough virtual meetings that I prefer to connect with my friends on a more personal level whenever I can. At times it can be hard to find the words, but a simple gesture to ask how others are doing goes a long way.</p><p><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/entrepreneur-sold-agency-salesforce-psychotic-break-toxic-silicon-valley-2020-9">An entrepreneur sold his design agency to Salesforce after having a psychotic break in his early 30s. He recounts his experience in the toxic world of tech startups — and how he made it through.</a></em></p><h2><strong style="color: #000000;">2. Daily journaling </strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2009/feb/15/psychology-usa">Research</a> has long shown that journaling helps regulate emotions, and ultimately makes you happier. My mom purchased my sister and I journals as gifts and I've been writing my thoughts on paper ever since I was a kid. Every now and then, I open up my old journals and read a page or two just to see where I was in life. It shows me that trouble doesn't always last and gives me strength to make it through both the good and the bad times.</p><p>I spend 15 minutes journaling every night. I have a quote journal which prompts thoughts of gratitude, so even if I have had a terrible day I reflect on the things I am most grateful for. That said, there isn't a wrong way to journal. There are a variety of options out there to spark inspiration and all you need is ten minutes to write to <a href="https://www.prweb.com/releases/powerful_daily_routines_to_boost_your_brain_lift_your_mood_and_strengthen_your_immunity_during_uncertain_and_stressful_times/prweb17167663.htm">lift your mood and boost creativity</a>. </p><h2><strong style="color: #000000;">3. Practicing meditation </strong></h2><p>Over the years, I've found practicing meditation every day as an outlet has helped me prepare for the no's and envision the positive possibilities in life. Manifestation is important to me. I am always thinking about what I want to achieve and speaking it into existence. I practice <a href="https://seancroxton.com/quote-of-the-day/004/">Bob Proctor'</a>s abundance meditation which says: "If you can hold it in your head, you can hold it in your hand." </p><p>One of the most stressful experiences as a founder, especially as a founder of color, is the fundraising process. In addition to the constant pitching and possible rejection, I face the fact that many investors don't look like me and don't believe in what Goodr is solving for. Meditation and believing great things are coming has given me so much hope for my business. </p><p><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-entrepreneurs-teny-pivoted-fitness-platform-online-workouts-2020-6">2 entrepreneurs spent a year building a platform for finding quality fitness classes — then the coronavirus hit. Here's how they pivoted their product to online workouts in just 5 weeks.</a></em></p><p>Goodr was on track to run out of money in May, and I pivoted the business entirely to survive. The words that you speak to yourself and to others are foundational to <keyword id="2811808" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="self-care">self care</keyword>. We can be so negative and I could have been hard on myself during the struggle to keep Goodr alive. I used to feel defeated after a lot of no's and closed doors — it's been a journey to overcome. I've found that sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them. </p><p>I was fortunate enough to receive $100,000 from Spanx CEO Sara Blakely in the past and I recently received $100,000 in cash and support from <a href="https://startup.google.com/blackfoundersfund/">Google for Startups</a> <a href="https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/entrepreneurs/black-founders-generational-change">Black Founders Fund</a>. Despite some people turning me down, I've learned that there are so many companies and people that do believe in Goodr's mission. </p><p>By doing what you love and practicing self-care, you inspire others to do the same. As a founder, you may put everything on the line for your company — but don't let it be your physical or mental health. At Goodr, we're solving a big problem and there will always be nights that I'm up with millions of people who go to bed hungry, fighting for them. But I've had to learn to understand self care and will always advocate for it.</p><p><em>Jasmine Crowe is the founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.goodr.co/">Goodr</a>, an Atlanta-based company that fights food waste and food insecurity by picking up surplus foods from local restaurants and stores and delivering them to hungry families. Learn more about Goodr on the organization's <a href="https://www.goodr.co/">website</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/thegoodrco?lang=en">Twitter</a>.</em></p>

I'm a Black founder. Here's how I'm practicing self-care during the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Run clubs are booming, and the 2024 NYC Marathon takes place on November 3.</li><li>Popular brands among runners will include Nike, Hoka, Bandit, and Lululemon.</li></ul><p>Ciele hats, $285 Nike shoes, Bandit socks.</p><p>If you're a runner — perhaps part of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-brands-are-sponsoring-irl-running-clubs-amid-popularity-rise-2024-7">run club</a> or participating in this week's New York City <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-avoid-hitting-wall-first-marathon-2024-8">marathon</a> — you may be familiar with these.</p><p>With <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-brands-are-sponsoring-irl-running-clubs-amid-popularity-rise-2024-7">run clubs surging in popularity</a>, the demand for stylish, functional gear is rising too. Luxury apparel companies like Minted New York and Loewe collaborate with running brands like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DA6vi69xRhR/?hl=en">Saucony</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=d4e31c2a49c2abcad2aa49c4ad4caa18c1f164f7e18b94a468afefc1940bb99e&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%2F%3Fid%3D35871X943606%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.on.com%252Fen-us%252Fcollection%252Floewe-x-on">On Running</a>, while even run clubs like Endorphins Running include <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.endorphinsrunning.com/collections/featured">merch drops</a>.</p><p>Here are some of the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fall-fashion-status-symbols-trends-2024-9">status symbols</a> making a splash in running communities all over the US — and that you can expect to see in New York on November 3.</p><h2 id="3b6ebbb8-ffe4-4376-937d-b4e31b2670c2"><strong>Nike shoes still reign supreme</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Nike Alphafly 3" height="648" width="864" msid="114786153" hostid="261" sizebytes="34882"></div><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nike-competition-sportswear-hoka-on-running-earnings-2023-7">Nike has faced competition</a> from brands like Hoka and On Running over the past few years. But "when it comes to where the prestige is and what people wear on podiums, Nike still dominates," Michael Mazarra, the CEO of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.halfmarathons.net/">Half Marathon Guide</a>, told Business Insider.</p><p>He called out the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=03dd93efd7b8357ef69b0b5b7ec03481f305b45d95b41b86ed4efa23fdaf512a&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nike.com%2Fw%3Fq%3Dalphafly%26vst%3Dalphafly">Nike Alphafly</a> ($285) and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=efd5202dd3343cd3671bcb02ffd4ef585112c8bc0a9da8c07992dbec071bb02f&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nike.com%2Fw%3Fq%3Dvaporfly%26vst%3Dvaporfly">Vaporfly</a> ($260), which are carbon-plated and designed to give runners a leg up in speed. Because of their price, Mazarra said a lot of people will do their training runs in them, even though they're not designed to be worn every day. "You start to see people do their recovery runs in Vaporflys because it's kind of a status symbol that you paid $250 or $300 for," he said.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/reneeenoe/?hl=en">Reneé Noe</a>, a running influencer who started the Noe Bad Vibes running club for women, said she sees AlphaFlys a lot, too. But she said <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/style/best-hokas">Hoka shoes</a> like the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=b44b5c8ae57e261348a4ba68c9125aee8a113c6c9b414ca142e9fad71e092f46&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hoka.com%2Fon%2Fdemandware.store%2FSites-HOKA-US-Site%2Fen_US%2FCoveo-Show%3Fq%3Dmach%2Bx%26lang%3Den_US">Mach X</a> ($190) — which use a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://palmettorunningcompany.com/blog/pebax-vs-carbon-super-trainers">lighter-weight polymer plate</a> to assist with speed<strong> </strong>— continue to be fan favorites due to their comfort and more reasonable price point.</p><h2 id="2ad52c3a-d0e6-40dc-93e9-adc7fb65b9bc"><strong>Bandit is the cool kid on the block</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Bandit Stamina Scoop Neck Run Bra" height="900" width="1200" msid="114786133" hostid="261" sizebytes="38762"></div><p>Bandit, a Brooklyn-based <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/top-sports-startups-to-watch-according-to-vcs-investors-2024-7">sports startup</a>, has been competing neck-and-neck with Tracksmith, another popular New England-based brand, Mazarra said.</p><p>Since launching in 2021, Bandit's influence has transcended New York: Noe, who is based in California, said she sees lots of Bandit gear among runners as well.</p><p>In particular, Mazarra said the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=359167aafe5e397b7e100ea4128fd3051ed4817769362ef2a49c0e6176f03809&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%2F%3Fid%3D35871X943606%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fbanditrunning.com%252Fcollections%252Frun-bras">Bandit running bra</a> ($68) — which features pockets to store your phone or energy gels — is "the coolest innovation," explaining its popularity among runners.</p><p>Part of Bandit's appeal is the subtle branding on most of its products, making them <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quiet-status-symbols-popular-this-year-2024-1">quiet luxury</a> items. But Mazarra has also seen the brand's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=4653cfdbe2a76f6901849d3b56def3aa6477b311cef44502a4f2aedd0d9f3e9f&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%2F%3Fid%3D35871X943606%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fbanditrunning.com%252Fcollections%252Frunning-socks">bold socks</a> ($36) everywhere.</p><h2 id="4d4408a3-3559-4764-91ed-c150817ce433"><strong>Ciele and On Running hats</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Ciele GOCap - Athletics - Polestar" height="746" width="994" msid="114786129" hostid="261" sizebytes="37752"></div><p><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=5a2cd5be745bd4117291ab50be8e0d415251f13e21b4288a026690656e60dbe8&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%2F%3Fid%3D35871X943606%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fcieleathletics.com%252Fcollections%252Fgocap%253Fcountry%253DUS">Ciele's GOCaps</a> ($50-$95) are popular for their breathability, sleek design, and wide range of colors. They blew up in popularity in the last few years; in 2021, they were dubbed as some of the most iconic running hats by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://believeintherun.com/gear-reviews/our-favorite-ciele-athletics-caps-summer-2021/">Believe in the Run</a>, a running media company.</p><p>But Mazarra has seen other brands become status symbols too, like similarly striking<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=a265e508c1d9dc081ce498292a435e62e2e4db6838a2e5c2725c6d71fee28384&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%2F%3Fid%3D35871X943606%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.on.com%252Fen-us%252Fproducts%252Flightweight-cap-301%252Funisex%252Fmocha-accessories-301.01746">On Running hats</a> ($45) and athlete <a target="_blank" class="" href="http://redirect.viglink.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bareperformancenutrition.com%2Fcollections%2Fapparel%2Fhats&amp;key=a0a489b80c119e1fb25b8b4606294f7e">Nick Bare's "Go One More" line</a> ($30) (which includes a <a target="_blank" class="" href="http://redirect.viglink.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bareperformancenutrition.com%2Fproducts%2Fbpn-x-ciele-endurance-cap&amp;key=a0a489b80c119e1fb25b8b4606294f7e">2023 Ciele collaboration</a>).</p><h2 id="c29fd18d-fa3d-4cca-b022-8a12f9aaab54"><strong>SPIbelt had a great marketing run</strong></h2><div type="image" title="The SPIbelt" height="806" width="1075" msid="114786152" hostid="261" sizebytes="46200"></div><p>When it comes to running belts, most runners are looking for something that can carry their phone, keys, and gels without bouncing up and down.</p><p>Two influencer faves are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://flipbelt.com/collections/running-belts">FlipBelt</a> ($37), a stretchy, narrow belt with pockets all over, and the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://spibelt.com/collections/running-belts/products/the-spibelt">SPIbelt</a> ($27), which acts as a slimmer fanny pack.</p><p>While Mazarra said FlipBelt is still the runner fave because of its even weight distribution, SPIbelt is a "sleeper win" this year, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-running-belts.html">competing with FlipBelt</a> as a runner favorite and making appearances on plenty of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/spibelt/?hl=en">influencer Instagrams</a> thanks to its sleek look and wider variety of colors.</p><h2 id="95aaeac4-d213-4906-a098-1dfd360211d9"><strong>Maurten is the energy gel of the moment</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Maurten Gel 100" height="833" width="1110" msid="114786149" hostid="261" sizebytes="62332"></div><p>When it comes to sustenance, Noe said Gu and Honey Stinger are still the go-tos she sees everywhere. Honey Stinger's Energy Waffles are particular fan favorites, because "it feels like actual food," she said.</p><p>But Maurten energy gel (<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.maurten.com/products/gel-100-box-us">$43 for 12 gels</a>), flavorless and more expensive than its competitors, is going to make a splash this year, Mazarra said. It's the gel famously used by long-distance runner <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/12/sports/eliud-kipchoge-marathon-record.html">Eliud Kipchoge when he broke a sub-2-hour marathon record</a> in 2019. (<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.baa.org/boston-athletic-association-partners-maurten-exclusive-gel-nutrition-sponsor-boston-marathon-baa#:~:text=Maurten%20and%20its%20hydrogel%20based,sponsor%20of%20the%20Boston%20Marathon.">Kipchoge is currently sponsored by Maurten</a>).</p><p>Mazarra said many <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/food/a707930/energy-gels/">professional runners</a> like Maurten because it doesn't contain colorants or preservatives that could upset your stomach.</p><h2 id="4b5051aa-dc2c-4f3c-966e-a8bcc8495dd3"><strong>Lululemon remains a favorite</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0" height="864" width="1152" msid="114786136" hostid="261" sizebytes="31062"></div><p>Noe said Lululemon products, like its sweat-repelling cold-weather shirts and jackets, are popular among her and other runners.</p><p>She and Mazarra also said the <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=7654dd3dca4756d51e4885321e95d9c25c2708d423f6dec48bd584b744b180ff&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fp%2Fbags%2FFast-and-Free-Run-Belt%2F">running belt</a> ($38) is a big hit in the running world, and Noe is a huge fan. "It's small, but it's stretchy," she said, noting that runners love how lightweight it feels without bouncing with each step.</p><h2 id="9f7b2ba4-a1bc-4105-a253-dc8eeb2f73d4">COROS is vying for Garmin's elite status</h2><div type="image" title="COROS PACE 3" height="1279" width="1705" msid="114786146" hostid="261" sizebytes="153388"></div><p>According to Noe, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/best-garmin-watch">Garmin</a> remains one of the most popular sports watches for a reason. "Garmin is so exact," she said, calling out the <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=e3189446d4c3fa3ac45eb05768d2e8ee7549757c85ad443b6da61c4852d98b40&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.garmin.com%2Fen-US%2Fp%2F873214">Venu 3S</a> ($450) as one of the best models because of its long battery life.</p><p>Mazarra said COROS watches like the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://us.coros.com/pace3">Pace 3</a> ($230) are starting to seriously compete with Garmin, partly due to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DBMUF7UI30W/?hl=en">sponsoring top athletes like Kipchoge</a>. "It's a little bit more of a status symbol because COROS also has this pretty sleek heart rate monitor," he said. But as far as the technology goes, he said running in Garmin and COROS is "actually quite similar."</p><h2 id="adc73b1a-00a7-4668-914c-7b2f4657fb99"><strong>Oakley is breaking into the running market</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Oakley Sutro Lite" height="1020" width="1360" msid="114786141" hostid="261" sizebytes="17252"></div><p>Mazarra said Goodr sunglasses are popular because they cost around $25 and reliably stay on your face without sliding.</p><p>Noe said Oakley's aviator-style options like the <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=34c15c4c826a201e6ca6a2dccaf1c8042000b045488336ccbf18219e8a9a7587&amp;postID=671961dfe5b540830066f048&amp;postSlug=run-clubs-marathon-style-nike-lululemon-garmin-hoka-bandit-2024-10&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oakley.com%2Fen-us%2Fproduct%2FW0OO9463">Sutro Lite</a> ($202) offer bigger frames that cover more of your face, as well as frames that wrap around more for extra security. While they're "on the pricey end," she said they're solid, high-quality glasses that keep you from getting sun-tired.</p>

Running isn't just about fitness — these 8 products are shaping the new look of run clubs

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Jasmine Crowe is the founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.goodr.co/">Goodr</a>, an Atlanta-based company that fights food waste and food insecurity by picking up surplus foods from local restaurants and stores and delivering them to hungry families.</li><li>Goodr also organizes pop-up groceries stores that allow people in need to shop for fresh produce and other items, free of charge.</li><li>Crowe's team has recently been delivering 250 boxes of groceries to people every day since the coronavirus pandemic caused mass unemployment and panic food-buying in the US, leaving many with empty wallets and limited access to food. </li><li>But despite all their efforts, Crowe knows that millions more across the US are still going hungry, and is calling on government leaders for national reform to fix our food-waste problem. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul><p dir="ltr">A mother of four sons called me five times in tears last week, explaining that the only food she had left was four hot dogs and a half a box of cereal. Then a senior sent me a video, telling me she was a diabetic and her sugar kept dropping because she doesn't have enough to eat.</p><p dir="ltr">This morning, like every morning, I woke up to messages from more people in dire need of food. Every email reads the same: <em>I was just let go from [insert business name here] and I don't have enough money to feed myself or my family.</em> I've heard from people that worked at colleges, in retail and restaurants, even at banks. These are working people, most of whom have probably never experienced this level of food shortage in their lives.</p><p class="tagline"><i>Do you have a personal experience with the coronavirus you'd like to share? Or a tip on how your town or community is handling the pandemic? Please email <a href="mailto:covidtips@businessinsider.com">covidtips@businessinsider.com</a> and tell us your story.</i></p><p><i>Get the latest <a href="/coronavirus-business-impact">coronavirus business &amp; economic impact analysis</a> from Business Insider Intelligence on how COVID-19 is affecting industries.</i></p>

I've been delivering 1,000 meals a week to quarantined families in Atlanta - here's why hunger is an issue that needs national attention

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Raising venture capital is a daunting experience for Black women.</li><li>Before 2021, only 93 Black female founders had raised $1 million or more in venture capital.</li></ul><p>Raising venture capital is a daunting experience for Black women. </p><p>Before 2021, only 93 Black female founders had raised $1 million or more in venture capital, according to <a href="https://projectdiane.com/">ProjectDiane</a>, a biennial report on the state of Black and Latina women founders by Digitalundivided. Additionally, the report found that the median seed round in 2020 for Black female entrepreneurs was just $125,000, far less than the national median average of $2.5 million.</p><p>Insider tracked 40 Black women who raised at least $1 million in venture funds last year — which brought the total number to more than 150 — and asked how they navigated the tricky landscape. </p><p>We also analyzed how they crafted their pitch decks, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-female-founders-pitch-deck-raising-venture-capital-2021-12">navigated conversations</a> with investors, and built support networks, in addition to recording the books they read. From that information, Insider compiled a guide to help Black women through their fundraising journeys.</p><h2><strong>These women fill their pitch decks with data</strong></h2><p>Regardless of the race of the founder, there is a standard formula most pitch decks follow for early-stage rounds: Introduce a problem, a way to fix it, and the team behind the business. The aesthetics often consist of company colors, while metrics address market value and projected revenue. Black women must have these things and then some.</p><p>For example, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaeltwumasi?originalSubdomain=uk">Rachael Twumasi-Corson</a>, a cofounder of the beauty brand <a href="https://afrocenchix.com/">Afrocenchix</a>, stuffed her <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/afrocenchixs-pitch-deck-that-raised-12-million-from-google-2021-8#graphics-introduce-each-idea--11">seed-round pitch deck</a> with numbers typically seen in a Series A presentation, hoping the data would win over investors. Afrocenchix closed a $1.2 million seed round in June, which included Google as an investor.</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/jasminecrowe?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Jasmine Crowe</a>, the founder of the waste-solutions company <a href="https://goodr.co/">Goodr</a>, decided to put an appendix at the end of her 29-page Series A deck to give investors a clearer understanding of her company, how customers were using it, and the success she had seen. To date, she's raised $2.5 million.</p><p><strong><em>Read more</em></strong><em>:</em> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-female-founders-pitch-deck-raising-venture-capital-2021-12"><em>Black women face an uphill battle when raising capital. Six founders who've raised more than $5 million share the ways they craft pitch decks to win over investors</em></a></p><h2><strong>They anticipate investor doubt </strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkerby">Richard Kerby</a>, a cofounder of the venture fund Equal Ventures, <a href="https://medium.com/@kerby/where-did-you-go-to-school-bde54d846188">shared data</a> showing that in 2018, 70% of venture capitalists were white and 82% were male. Only 2% of the venture capitalists in Kerby's data set identified as Black men, and 1% identified as Black women.</p><p>This means Black women are often pitching a homogenous space and must work harder to obtain empathy from the majority in the room, the female founders told Insider. In response, some women have become more selective about whom they pitch. </p><p>For example, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-gladney-4a394625">Deborah Gladney</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-muhwezi-hall-59b18a92">Angela Muhwezi-Hall</a>, cofounders of the Kansas job-finding company <a href="https://getquickhire.com/">QuickHire</a>, contacted many firms in the Midwest, along with those focused on diversity and inclusion. </p><p>Janice Omadeke went to investor meetings with additional data, like the duration of her contracts and her industry's market value, in hopes of mitigating the risk that some investors associate with funding businesses led by Black women, she said. In April, <a href="https://www.thementormethod.com/">The Mentor Method</a>, her software platform, closed a $1.6 million seed round. </p><p><strong><em>Read more</em></strong><em>:</em> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-black-women-can-navigate-uncomfortable-racist-investor-meetings-2021-12"><em>How Black women can navigate uncomfortable pitch meetings with confidence, according to 8 founders who've raised more than $5 million in venture capital</em></a></p><h2><strong>They do their research</strong></h2><p>They also used books on fundraising and business to navigate the murky waters of venture capital.</p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/diaundrajones/">Diaundra Jones</a>, a cofounder of the networking app Seventh Ave, turned to "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?asin=0735218072&amp;platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C618c374742047823d6742bb9&amp;postTag=biauto-51545-20&amp;sc=false&amp;type=AMAZON-AFFILIATE-LINK&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2F0735218072%3Ftag%3Dbiauto-51545-20&amp;sessionid=1643648450604a8xiyzuf&amp;tag=bisafetynet2-20">The Messy Middle</a>: Finding Your Way Through the Hardest and Most Crucial Part of Any Bold Venture."</p><p>"The proximity to information and perspective helped me paint a picture of a world I had not experienced myself," <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/diaundrajones/">Jones</a>, who closed <a href="https://pullupon7th.substack.com/p/seventh-ave-inc-raises-25m-seed-round?r=irhp1&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_source=">a $2.5 million</a> round led by the firm MaC Venture Capital, said. "They gave me practical frameworks for building awareness of common mistakes, advice on leadership and organization, and, most importantly, confidence that I can do it, too."</p><p>Others recommended "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?asin=1118443616&amp;platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C618c374742047823d6742bb9&amp;postTag=biauto-51545-20&amp;sc=false&amp;type=AMAZON-AFFILIATE-LINK&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2F1118443616%3Ftag%3Dbiauto-51545-20&amp;sessionid=16436484506041cbzrqug&amp;tag=bisafetynet2-20">Venture Deals</a>: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist" and "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1541619420?asc_campaign=commerce-pra&amp;asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessinsider.com%2Fbest-books-for-black-female-founders-to-read-venture-capital-2021-11&amp;asc_source=browser&amp;tag=biauto-51545-20">How Boards Work: And How They Can Work Better in a Chaotic World</a>."</p><p><em>Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-books-for-black-female-founders-to-read-venture-capital-2021-11">13 books to buy entrepreneurs as they fundraise, according to Black women who've raised millions in capital</a></em></p><h2>They build their own networks</h2><p>Every Black female founder needs a support group to help her navigate the venture-capital landscape, <a href="http://tiffanydufu.com/">Tiffany Dufu</a>, the founder of the networking app <a href="https://www.thecru.com/">The Cru</a>, said. Her company raised a $2 million seed round in July 2020, led by Bloomberg Beta and Alpine Meridian. </p><p>"One of the most important things you can do is collaborate, communicate, ask for help, and be vulnerable with a group of women who are going through the same thing," Dufu said. These women "can help hold you accountable but also remind you that you're not going crazy," she added. </p><p>Nearly all the Black women Insider spoke with said finding people to discuss the pressures of their journeys with helped create relationships in the sector, which can lead to advice on which venture-capital firms to pitch and introductions. </p><p>Joanna Smith, the founder of the educational company <a href="https://www.allhere.com/our-team/">AllHere,</a> joined a support network for Black women in <keyword id="6358815" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="tech" source="Orion">tech</keyword>, Visible Figures, to discuss topics such as hiring and fundraising.</p><p>"Never go it alone," said Smith, who's raised a total of $12 million in venture capital since she launched AllHere in 2017. "There's a community of women who have raised and who are eager to share what worked for them and what didn't."</p><p><em>Here's a list of Black women to connect with</em><em>:</em> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-female-founders-raised-millions-in-vc-this-year-2021-9"><em>One of Silicon Valley's most exclusive clubs just got bigger. Here's a list of Black women who raised more than $1 million in VC funding last year.</em></a></p><p><em>Read more on how to build networks: </em><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-raise-venture-capital-as-black-female-founder-2021-11"><em>The VC landscape is dire for Black women. 7 Black women who have raised millions in funding reveal their best fundraising advice.</em></a></p>

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The 10 people transforming supply chain - including leaders from Best Buy, Goodr, and Altana

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I'm a Black founder. Here's how I'm practicing self-care during the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Jasmine Crowe

Running isn't just about fitness — these 8 products are shaping the new look of run clubs

Julia Pugachevsky

I've been delivering 1,000 meals a week to quarantined families in Atlanta - here's why hunger is an issue that needs national attention

Jasmine Crowe, founder of Goo…

A Black woman's guide to venture-capital fundraising: How to pitch investors, build a support network, and raise millions.

Dominic-Madori Davis

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