The World Economic Forum (WEF), held each year in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20–25, brings together leaders from business, government, and society to tackle global challenges. Once dominated by elites, WEF is now opening up to diverse voices. For Black women, it’s more than just being included—it’s about transforming the conversation to ensure true equity and representation.
What WEF Represents
WEF focuses on tackling critical global issues through collaboration and innovation. The forum’s agenda encompasses a wide range of topics, including climate change, technology, urban development, education, gender equality, and global health. WEF also creates specialized platforms, such as the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Reskilling Revolution initiative, aimed at shaping the future workforce. These areas of focus align with challenges that disproportionately affect Black women, making their voices crucial in these conversations.
Moreover, during the WEF, exclusive houses and events like the Inkwell Snow Beach activation (founded by Adrianne C. Smith) provide opportunities for Black professionals to connect, network, and amplify their collective impact. The Inkwell Snow Beach activation, in particular, has emerged as a hub for Black thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to discuss pressing issues and celebrate their achievements on a global stage.
Why Black Women Should Attend
Representation at WEF is about more than visibility; it’s about influence. As Tope Ajala, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Ogilvy, explains, “It’s so important for women to show up in spaces where we weren’t always welcome because our voice matters. Our voice changes lives. It creates impact, and it creates true, lasting change.”
Dr. Renee Canady, CEO of the Michigan Public Health Institute, emphasizes the global perspective WEF offers: “Sometimes in our own countries, we think very insularly. But here, we learn lessons about international solutions that might be adapted in our context and meet partners from all over the world to build a broader community.”
Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun, President and CEO of the Public Health Accreditation Board, highlights the importance of collaboration: “We have to share ideas, share solutions, and be partners. Diversity at events like Davos makes us all better and healthier.”
The Power of Black Women’s Presence
Black women attending WEF bring unique perspectives shaped by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to community. Syreeta Butler, founder of Just B. Consulting Group, notes, “We are the consciousness of the world as Black people, especially as Black women. When we find spaces to disrupt or be in, we recognize it’s for the greater good of the world.”
Sequoyah Glenn, founder of 924 CoOperative Agency, underscores the importance of collective power: “For me, it was very important to come to Davos, especially Inkwell, to glean insights from other Black women about their plight. We’re not a monolith. But together, our collective power can create lasting impact.”
Ava Toro, a global insights researcher at Reddit, reflects on the inspiration WEF provides: “Being here as a Black woman in tech inspires me and provides me with the knowledge and connections to uplift other Black women and girls, expanding our presence at such big global events.”
Building Networks at Inkwell
The Inkwell Snow Beach Activation is a standout space for Black women to connect and thrive. It provides a platform for discussions on leadership, innovation, and strategies for systemic change. As Quita Highsmith, Chief Diversity Officer at Genentech, puts it, “The more we are seen, the more people recognize we’re standing in our spot where we belong. Our voices need to be heard.”
Mary Stutts, CEO of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, adds, “We need to be visible and vocal to get more women of color activated around women’s health and workforce issues.”
A Call to Action
The World Economic Forum is more than an event—it’s a movement. For Black women, attending WEF is an opportunity to influence policy, build powerful networks, and inspire the next generation of leaders. As Syreeta Butler passionately states, “We need your face. We need your presence. We need your energy.”
By occupying spaces like the Inkwell Snow Beach Activation, Black women can amplify their voices, challenge the status quo, and shape a future that reflects their brilliance and resilience.
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