Legacy 2017 South Florida: 25 Most Powerful Women Issue | Page 12

L . A . Lee Family YMCA to Revitalize Mizell Center and Spur Development in Historic Sistrunk
BB12 AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE MIAMI HERALD FRIDAY , DECEMBER 8 , 2017
CAREER LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
By Mary Davids Black women hold the fastest growing postsecondary graduation rates in the U . S . That ’ s according to the latest data from the U . S . Department of Education ’ s National Center for Education Statistics . But even with degrees in hand , black women are less likely to hold higher paid occupations .
HERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO ESCAPE RACIAL ROADBLOCKS ON YOUR WAY TO THE TOP :
1 . Learn How to Avoid the Angry
FORT LAUDERDALE CRA
By Ann Marie Sorrell

5 Career Tips Every Black Woman Should Know

Black Woman Stigma . Ever notice how Scandal ’ s Olivia Pope will listen to whomever is attempting to “ read ” her ? If you pay close attention , you will see her initial expression and eyes tell you that she is furious . However , right before she opens her mouth to respond , she gives this fierce smile and then goes all in . She allows her educated , skilled and knowledgeable tongue to do the speaking rather than letting her neck and fingers control the attention of the conversation .
2 . Find a Mentor , Be a Mentor . When asked how she manages being a black woman in Corporate America , Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO Norma Jules says , “ Finding a mentor has been very helpful for me . I always make sure I ’ m open to receiving from people who are more seasoned than me .” A mentor

L . A . Lee Family YMCA to Revitalize Mizell Center and Spur Development in Historic Sistrunk

In the 1930s , Fort Lauderdale ’ s first black surgeon , Dr . Von D . Mizell , co-founded the Provident Hospital – the first black owned and operated general hospital that provided surgical and medical care for Black residents in Broward County . Years later , the 15-bed medical facility became a city-owned community center , the Mizell Center , located at 1409 NW 6th Street , Fort Lauderdale , 33311 .
Since the 1980s the Center has been home to the City of Fort Lauderdale Housing and Community Development Division , the Irma Hunter Wesley Child Care Center , and local non-profit organizations such as the Fort Lauderdale Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People , and Sickle Cell of Broward County . Since relocation of the NAACP , most of the building remained vacant , which was recommended in order to repurpose the facility as part of the redevelopment plan for the Historic Sistrunk neighborhood .
On August 22 , the L . A . Lee Family YMCA was awarded $ 10 million from the Northwest-Progresso-Flagler Community Redevelopment Agency ( NPFCRA ) to revitalize the Mizell Center . This revitalization was part of NPFCRA ’ s Five-Year Program . One of the goals of the Five-Year Program is eliminating slum and blighted conditions in the areas near downtown Fort Lauderdale and northwest Fort Lauderdale .
For more than 70 years , the YMCA in Broward County served the Fort Lauderdale community with diverse programs for all ages , abilities and financial circumstances . The YMCA ’ s purpose is to provide programs and services that focus on youth development , healthy living and social responsibility that result in strengthening the foundations of the community .
The YMCA will utilize the new can help you stay on track with your goals , especially during those most pivotal moments within your career . Not only should you find a mentor , you should also become a mentor . Once you make it into that room , you have an unspoken duty to reach back and open that door for another black woman to enter in as well .
3 . Establish Trust Early On . Use curiosity to your advantage . Being a black woman climbing the corporate ladder already comes with added scrutiny . You can expect your nonblack colleagues to try and figure you out , study you , and test you so they can confirm the stereotype they carry in their minds . When they engage , do not resist . Welcome them . Become who Michelle Obama is to George W . Bush . Greet people with a warm embrace , learn what their interests are , and make it easy for them to engage
development to expand current programs , engage the community in the development of programs and services that meet their needs , and increase economic development in the community . The YMCA will name the center the L . A . Lee YMCA Mizell Center in order to preserve the rich history of the center and the community .
The 14,000 square-foot family center will be used to continue that YMCA ’ s historic legacy by providing programs that help youth deepen their positive values , motivation to in conversation with you .
4 . Take Charge of Your Own Career . Please understand that Human Resources is not going to help you elevate your career . Designing your own career path is vital in getting you closer to reaching your career goals . Relying on others to do you favors or using their connections to get you into the room may help a few times , but you will need to take your own initiative to unlock those doors as well .
5 . Work Smarter not Harder . It has been said we need to work twice as hard to get ahead and black women need to work even harder . That is a slavery mindset . Always come prepared to every meeting , arrive on time , and do not give anyone a reason to assume you are not qualified to do the work you are capable of doing .
learn , and commitment to service . The facility ’ s new design consists of four floors that will include child development and youth zones , an outdoor play zone , gymnasium , wellness and aerobic space , a theater , as well as retail and community offices space that will increase job creation in the community .
The revitalization of the Mizell Center also aligns with NPFCRA ’ s goals and vision , including the redevelopment of vacant properties , strategic redevelopment of large and underutilized sites , and creation and implementation of area wide design guidelines . The NPCRA provides a sustainable development plan that has a positive impact on the district and improves the lives of the residents , as well as attracts new visitors and development to the area
For additional information about the NPFCRA , visit fortlauderdalecra . com or call ( 954 ) 828-6130 .