Lisa Hurley (also known as HappyHappyPhoenix) is an activist, writer, and speaker whose work focuses on anti-racism, texturism, and destigmatizing introversion. She is also a passionate and outspoken advocate for inclusion, equity, and gender equality. As stated emphatically on her LinkedIn profile, Ms. Hurley believes that: “Black Lives Matter, Black Joy Matters, Black Hair Is Professional and Rest Is Resistance.”
Lisa is the Editor-At-Large of Linked Inclusion™, co-host of Real Talk on Racism, co-host of The Introvert Sisters podcast, and a contributing writer for No White Saviors. She has been quoted/featured in Forbes, Essence, Teen Vogue, and Fast Company, and on the iconic Nasdaq screen in Times Square New York. Lisa is also a member of the Black Speakers Collection, and was selected as one of pocstock’s The Future of Black America Top 50 Leaders for 2022.
With every company she partners with, or initiative that she is a part of, Lisa’s goal is to re-frame narratives about Black people and “The Black Experience.” As she recently stated in an article on the topic of Black Love:
“The prevailing narratives about Blackness in general are a.) mostly told by non-Black people, and b.) rooted in trauma. However the Black experience is not monolithic. We are multidimensional. We do all the things. We think all the thoughts. We set all the trends. We inform all the cultures. We feel all the feelings. (So no: anger is not the only one.)”
Although she is clearly a believer in “doing the work,” Lisa is also an advocate of “getting the rest.”
“Staying the course is important. Focus and consistency matter. But Black people, and especially Black women, should be given the grace to simply exist and flourish without constantly having to provide labor, teach Google-able things, exert themselves, and prove their worth. This is why reclaiming one’s time through regular and intentional rest is essential. The goal of all this activism is not only so that we can live equitably, but also peacefully, gracefully, healthily, and abundantly. And that starts with being centered and rested. Rest is required. Rest is resistance.”
About Linked Inclusion
Linked Inclusion was created by Padraic McFreen, one of the founding fathers of modern tech. It is a black-founded social change platform designed to solve for DEI + W: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Wellness. Resetting the narrative of traditional DEI beyond well-intended window dressing or performative strategic measures. The platform is open to historically excluded individuals and communities. As well as to corporate executives who are choosing to be at the forefront of making their company cultures more inclusive. Linked Inclusion has won three Anthem Awards in recognition of their groundbreaking work in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Responsible Technology.
Why Did You Partner With Linked Inclusion?
When I was approached to join Linked Inclusion, I realized that it was a company with whose mission I completely aligned. Discussions and progress around DEI are vital, but healing – Wellness – must be a part of every equation. Health is foundational to thriving as a human being. As a healer myself (in addition to my activism work, I am also a Reiki Master) the company’s focus on wellness, on the necessity of centering healing from racial trauma, resonated strongly with me. I knew that as part of my life’s work, I had to make my contribution to the company’s success.
Lisa is always interested in sharing meaningful conversations. Feel free to connect with her on social media.
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