We had the good fortune of connecting with Nneka Enurah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nneka, how do you think about risk?
It’s no secret that career opportunities for women of color are often limited. So for me, it was crucial to take risks early on and do the unexpected at times to advance. Most people are afraid to take risks, especially when it comes to their careers. We worry that if we make a mistake, we’ll be fired or passed over for a promotion. The truth is in order to achieve success, we need to take risks. It’s what allows you to progress and achieve new heights.

In my case, I moved across the country to LA with no money, no job, and no place to live. I took a big bet on myself and through hard work and my ability to establish relationships, I was able to land on my feet. Sometimes I think about how limiting it would have been to not start my journey that way. To play it safe and make decisions from a place of fear. I’m tremendously grateful that I did not take that approach.

When you take risks in your career, you open yourself up to new opportunities. If you’re stuck in a dead-end job, taking a risk can help you find a new and better position. It can also help you earn more money and advance your career. Additionally, taking risks shows that you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. This can make you more attractive to employers and help you stand out from the competition.

Of course, it’s important to be strategic about the risks you take. You don’t want to put your career in jeopardy by making a rash decision. But if you’re thoughtful and deliberate about the risks you take, they can pay off big time. So don’t be afraid to take a chance in your career. It could be the best decision you ever make.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nearly 2 million women left the workforce as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. On top of that, under 1% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women of color and Black women are still paid 62 cents for every dollar that a white man earns. To help women navigate the changing professional landscape and rejoin (or join) the labor force, I created Celebrate & Elevate: an inclusive online community helping women & gender-marginalized professionals in tech, media & entertainment build successful and fulfilling careers on their own terms through celebration, connection, career resources & one-on-one support.

From daily content on LinkedIn and Instagram to virtual and in-person events, we’re working to uplift professional women navigating work today. To help this community thrive both personally and professionally, we provide a space for celebration, connection, career resources, and one-on-one support. This allows for women to garner more visibility for their wins/accomplishments, establishes a safe support system, and empowers every woman with knowledge and renewed social capital so that they can attract sponsors (not just mentors/coaches) to advance professionally and pull the next woman up behind her.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is a city that never fails to disappoint. There are always new and exciting things to check out, no matter what you’re into. Whether you’re looking for some good inspiration or just want to have some fun, LA is the place to be.

One of the most fun things to do in LA is to check out the many different art galleries and museums. There are always new exhibitions to see, and you never know what you’ll find. For example, the Museum of Contemporary Art is currently hosting an exhibition of works by Banksy. If you’re into art, then this is definitely a place you need to check out!

If you’re looking for something a bit more active, then there are plenty of options for you as well. Los Angeles is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. If you’re up for a challenge, then try hiking to the top of Mt. Hollywood. The view from the top is definitely worth the effort!

I’m also a fan of the food scene in LA. There are so many great restaurants to choose from, and you can find pretty much any type of food you’re in the mood for. From tacos to Thai and donuts, pizza, and dim sum, you can not go wrong.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A lot of individuals have contributed to my success over the years. Too many to thank here, but it’s important that I give thanks to the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

The Spring before my freshman year at Elon University I got the exciting news that I was a recipient of the Jackie Robinson Foundation scholarship. It was the first time that I felt seen for my hard work, talent, and intellect.

The following year I got the opportunity to meet Rachel Robinson, Jackie’s wife, in New York City. She was so kind, attentive, and passionate about supporting young leaders. That trip was my first flight ever and my first journey to NYC. An experience that I will never forget.

I can say without question, that the JRF scholarship changed my life. What I learned about service, community, my responsibility as a future leader, and above all my great potential to help others has informed the leader that I am today.

Website: https://linktr.ee/celebrateelevatewomen

Instagram: @celebrateelevatewomen

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnekae/

Image Credits
Photos courtesy of Kai Byrd Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.