About BGITBR
Our story, mission, and the incredible woman behind our movement.
Our Mission
To empower young women of color by providing mentorship, leadership development, and the tools needed to excel in business and community leadership roles.
We believe that representation matters and that every young woman deserves to see herself reflected in positions of power and influence. Through our comprehensive programs, we're building a new generation of confident, capable leaders who will transform their communities and industries.
Empowerment
Building confidence and self-beliefCommunity
Creating lasting connectionsEducation
Continuous learning and growthLeadership
Developing tomorrow's leaders
Meet Our Founder
Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick
Visionary leader, mentor, and advocate for women of color in leadership positions.
Melissa founded Brown Girls in the Boardroom with a simple yet powerful vision: to ensure that young women of color see themselves represented in every boardroom, every leadership position, and every decision-making table that shapes our world.
With over 25 years of experience in business technology, Melissa has dedicated her career to breaking barriers and creating pathways for others to follow. Her passion for mentorship and community building has touched the lives of hundreds of young women across the country.
"I started BGITBR because I wished I had seen more women who looked like me in leadership roles when I was starting my career. Now, we're changing that narrative for the next generation."
Our Journey
From a vision to a movement that's transforming lives across the nation.
2020 - The Beginning
Melissa launched BGITBR with the first cohort of 15 young women, focusing on foundational leadership skills and mentorship.
2021 - Rapid Growth
Expanded to serve more women across our community, introducing specialized programs for different career stages.
2022 - National Recognition
BGITBR received national recognition for its innovative approach to leadership development and community building.
2023 - Digital Innovation
Launched virtual programs and mentorship platforms, reaching women across 25+ cities nationwide.
2024 - Steady Progression
Continuing to innovate with ai powered mentorship programs
2025 - Versatility
Changed our programming model, for more personalized coaching.
2026 - The Future
Introducing the G.R.E.A.T framework...
Our Impact
Numbers that represent real lives changed and dreams realized.
100+
Women Empowered
Young women who have participated in our programs
45%
Career Advancement
Program graduates who received promotions or new opportunities
27+
Mentors
Experienced professionals giving back to the community
5+
Cities Reached
Geographic reach across the United States