THE Corporate Ascension Cohort™
(FOR BLACK WOMEN)
A leadership development experience for Black women rising in coprporate America.
ASCEND WITHOUT SHRINKING
An 8‑week leadership development experience for Black women Directors, Senior Directors, VPs and Executive-level leaders in corporate America who are ready to rise with clarity, confidence, and cultural integrity, without shrinking, code-switching or carrying the weight alone.
Why This Cohort Exists
Black women are the backbone of corporate culture — yet too often:
• You’re overworked but overlooked
• You’re praised for resilience but denied resources
• You’re expected to lead without being given the room to breathe
• You’re navigating bias, burnout, and brilliance at the same time
A space where Black women can lead, grow, and ascend without code‑switching, shrinking, or dimming their brilliance.
The Data: What Black Women in Leadership Are Really Up Against
The numbers don’t lie — the system wasn’t built with us in mind.
Black women are not underperforming. We are under‑supported, under‑sponsored, and consistently navigating environments that were never designed for our brilliance, our leadership, or our cultural fluency. This data reveals why a traditional leadership program will never be enough — and why this cohort exists.
Underrepresentation at the Top
Black women hold just 7% of C‑suite roles, and promotion rates have fallen back to 2020 levels, erasing years of progress. Translation: We are advancing through resilience, not through equitable systems.
Bias and Microaggressions Are Still Daily Realities
Black women continue to be overlooked, under‑supported, and penalized for leadership traits companies claim to value. Translation: Cultural fluency isn’t optional — it’s a leadership requirement.
Corporate Support Is Declining
Only half of companies now prioritize women’s advancement — a multi‑year decline. DEI programs, sponsorship, and flexible work (which disproportionately support Black women) are being scaled back. Translation: The internal support we once relied on is shrinking.
Ambition Is High — Support Is Not
Black professionals report higher ambition than their white peers, yet receive less sponsorship and advocacy. Translation: There is no ambition gap. There is a support gap.
The “Broken Rung” Blocks the First Step
For every 100 men promoted into management, only 81 women are promoted — and the gap is even wider for Black women. Translation: We are often stopped before we ever reach the rooms where decisions are made.
wHO IS THIS EXPERIENCE FOR
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What You'll Walk Away With
A renewed sense of identity and agency
A clear leadership narrative rooted in truth
A refined executive presence grounded in authenticity
A personalized advancement plan
Strategies to advocate for yourself with confidence
The Ascension Framework™
Step 1 — Identity - Reclaim who you are beyond the role, the title, and the expectations placed on you.
Step 2 — Agency - Strengthen your voice, boundaries, and decision‑making power.
Step 3 — Executive Presence - Develop a leadership presence that is authentic, grounded, and respected.
Step 4 — Navigation - Move through corporate spaces with strategy, clarity, and confidence — without compromising your values.
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What’s Included
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8 Weekly Live Leadership Sessions - Culturally fluent, research‑backed, and rooted in lived experience.
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Private Community for Black Women Leaders - A safe, supportive space to process, grow, and rise together.
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Weekly Reflection Prompts & Leadership Exercises - Deepen clarity and strengthen your leadership identity.
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Executive Presence Labs - Practice communication, presence, and leadership in real time.
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Career Navigation Tools - Scripts, templates, and strategies for advocating for yourself.
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Access to Replays - Every session recorded for your convenience.
Meet Your Guide — Adyna K. Pressley
As a global women’s leadership architect, award‑winning empowerment leader, and founder of AKP Innovations, I’ve spent my career helping Black women rise — in corporate, in community, and in their calling.
I’ve been featured on Oprah's podcast, honored as the Best Women’s Empowerment Leader in the U.S., and have guided thousands of women through reinvention, leadership, and identity reclamation.
This cohort is the space I wish existed when I was becoming the woman I am today.
