Caring While Black: Women in Leadership, Advocacy, and Amplifying Voices

Dr. Esther Lawrence brings over two decades of professional experience in higher education, blending her academic expertise with a deep commitment to advocacy and empowerment. Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Caribbean, Dr. Lawrence proudly represents the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, crediting her Kittitian heritage and upbringing for shaping her personal values and professional success. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Lawrence holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Media Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing Arts. A passionate scholar-practitioner and qualitative researcher, her work amplifies the voices and experiences of individuals within the Black diaspora in the U.S. Her research interests include organizational culture, intersectionality, critical race theory (CRT), and the experiences of African-descendant immigrants. Dr. Lawrence is devoted to fostering environments of belonging and reflection, creating safe spaces to address the challenges faced by underrepresented groups. She is the co-founder of The Lawrence Collective, LLC, an educational consulting firm she established with her husband, Scott. The firm specializes in mindful leadership, cultural competence, and social and emotional intelligence, offering tailored solutions for organizations and communities. The Lawrence Collective Mission: Cultivating safe spaces to amplify profound narratives and solutions. Vision: To lead as a premier consulting firm that empowers individuals among the Black diaspora to achieve confidence and self-actualization by validating their lived experiences in predominantly white spaces. Dr. Lawrence and her team offer: Open dialogues and workshops focusing on cultural competence and inclusive excellence, fostering psychological safety and respect. Public speaking and keynote engagements to expand perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Managerial workshops to help leaders thrive within their organizational cultures. Publications and written works centered on the stories of the Black diaspora and immigrant experiences. Notary public services and partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits to enhance community engagement. Dr. Lawrence also serves as an Assistant Dean in higher education, balancing her professional commitments with her role as a proud mother to two teenagers. Her current passion projects include working on publications related to Afro-Caribbean culture and the Black diaspora, and she is actively seeking speaking engagements to continue advancing these essential conversations.