economy
March 11, 2026
Black women were disproportionately impacted by DOGE cuts. A year later, they're rebuilding careers for themselves and each other
Black women make up 12% of the federal workforce and experienced the largest federal employment losses between 2024 and 2025.
TL;DR
- The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts led to significant federal job losses, disproportionately impacting Black women.
- Black women's unemployment rate rose to 7.5% in September 2025, driven by public-sector losses, particularly in the federal government.
- Victoria Chege used TikTok to share information about navigating the layoff process, gaining a following and connecting with Congress.
- Nneka Obiekwe founded 'Black Women Rising,' a community referral network that started on WhatsApp and transitioned to Discord, connecting over 400 impacted Black women.
- Monique Fortenberry, a former federal worker, launched a consulting business to help former federal employees transition to new professional roles.
- Community initiatives focus on translating public-sector experience for private-sector roles, strategic networking, and providing emotional support.
- By December 2025, some affected women, like Victoria Chege, had secured new positions in the private sector, nonprofits, or universities.
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