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Dr. Venessa Marie Perry

We’re the Canary in the Coal Mine

Published 2 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader,

Black women are the canaries in America’s economic coal mine.

When federal jobs are cut, we feel it first. When DEI programs vanish, mentorship pipelines shrink, and stability erodes, we feel it first. Gender economist Katica Roy reminded us in a recent NY Times Article:

“It’s the signal of something dangerous in the air.”

This isn’t just a news story. It’s a warning—and a wake-up call. 300,000 Black women have been pushed out of the workforce in just months. The ripple effects touch families, communities, and generations.

But here’s the truth: being the canary doesn’t have to mean being silent or powerless. This is a moment to reclaim clarity, reclaim purpose, and anchor ourselves in community that sees and supports us.

That’s why I built BYOND—to help Black women in midlife step fully into what’s next, even when systems are working against us. To wrestle, reflect, and rise together.

The signal is loud. The time to answer it is now.

BYOND is coming,

105 Tuckerman St NE, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20011
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Dr. Venessa Marie Perry

Psychologist|Executive Coach|Strategist|Author

Welcome to my Creator Page! As a licensed psychologist, organizational and leadership development consultant, and executive coach with over 25 years of experience, my aim is to help individuals and organizations build high-performing teams, master effective communication, and transform relationships. The main vehicles to facilitate this transformation include 1-on-1 executive coaching, strategy consultations and the BYOND group coaching experience, a sanctuary and community for Black women to inspire, uplift, and empower one another while focusing on well-being and collective transformation.

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