Southeast Queens Networking Event Showcases Black Woman Leaders

ROSEDALE, QUEENS — A southeast Queens networking event this week will focus on empowering young women of color.

A Thursday networking event in Rosedale called "Why Can't She Lead Too?" will showcase black women in leadership roles in male-dominated industries. Speakers are producer and videographer Rebecca Francois; Francilia Wilkins Rahim, C.E.O. of R.F. Wilkins Consultants and a Google Digital Coach; dean of students Ashley Wilson and Kyah Baby, a rapper/musician and C.E.O. of Just Us Music. Aja Meeks, director of special events in the NYC Comptroller's office, will moderate.

"It's a way to engage young professionals and also empower women of color," event host James Johnson said.

Johnson, a community activist from Cambria Heights, started "Why Can't She Lead Too?" last year. Networking events geared to minorities are more common in Harlem or Brooklyn, Johnson said, and he wanted residents of southeast Queens to have similar opportunities.

Johnson also drew inspiration from his mother's leadership of a single-parent household when he started the networking event last year.

"She never made excuses," said Johnson, who works by day as a liaison in the city comptroller's office. "She made sure I had equal opportunity."

The event on Thursday will include a discussion about buying homes in southeast Queens, which Johnson said is essential to warding off gentrification. He anticipates 250 people will attend.

"Why Can't She Lead Too?" takes place Thursday, March 28 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Pa-Nash Fusion Bar & Kitchen, located at 144-14 243 Rd. in Rosedale, Queens.

Attendees can RSVP for the event on Eventbrite.

This story has been updated to add one speaker and an updated flyer.