Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Akeel Bernard & Muriel Foster. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Akeel Bernard & Muriel Foster , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Muriel Foster:
For me, purpose found its roots in the nonprofit sector, where I quickly recognized the untapped potential within early-stage organizations. As a Program Director for gBETA Houston and Chief Operations Officer of Intentionally BLCK, I’ve had the privilege of supporting startups and nonprofits, helping them navigate complex challenges, secure funding, and build sustainable programs. My purpose became clear as I realized my ability to connect the dots between vision and execution—whether by guiding a founder through a critical decision or helping a nonprofit exceed its grant deliverables. I thrive in spaces where I can act as a connector and catalyst, enabling others to access the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. The satisfaction of seeing founders transform their ideas into tangible impact fuels my passion daily.
Akeel Bernard:
Similarly, my path to purpose has been shaped by a passion for community and wellness. Early in my career, I discovered what brings me the most fulfillment is in helping others to unlock their unique potential—both professionally and personally. From my work as a Certified Life Transition Coach to my role as Chief Communication Officer of Intentionally BLCK, I’ve consistently sought ways to empower young professionals of color to amplify their strengths and thrive in the process. My coaching work has centered on creating environments that foster holistic well-being while driving professional growth, whether it’s through guiding entrepreneurs to navigate complexity with confidence or helping organizations focus on wellness as a foundation for productivity and impact. My purpose solidified as I saw the direct link between supporting others and watching them flourish in ways they hadn’t imagined.
Together:
As co-founders of Intentionally BLCK, our purpose is not only to serve as mentors and guides but to actively foster a supportive ecosystem where young professionals of color can thrive and build each other up in the process. We approach our work with a solution-based mindset, helping those we mentor, and support not only meet but exceed their goals. Our roles allow us to see firsthand the transformative power of intentional support, and it’s this shared commitment that drives us forward.
Ultimately, our purpose lies in creating spaces where people can grow—where young professionals can take bold steps all while building lifelong friendships and mutually beneficial business relationships. We see ourselves as architects of possibility, and our greatest reward is knowing that the work we do ripples outward, creating lasting change in the communities we serve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Muriel Foster:
When Akeel and I first met in 2022, we didn’t know that our initial collaboration on This is Us— Our 1st Black History Month event—would plant the seed for what would eventually grow into Intentionally BLCK. What started as a passion project to celebrate Black culture, entrepreneurship, and community quickly evolved into something much larger. This is Us has become a staple event in Houston’s ecosystem, but more importantly, it showed us the power of creating spaces where professionals of color could authentically connect and thrive. It was through this experience that we realized the need for a more permanent platform where these connections and celebrations could happen year-round.
Akeel Bernard:
Out of that realization, Intentionally BLCK was born. Our vision for Intentionally BLCK goes beyond just networking events or social gatherings; it’s about redefining the social experience for professionals of color in Houston. We’ve built a social club that not only empowers entrepreneurs and professionals but also celebrates cultural authenticity through the events, programs and spaces we curate. What we’ve seen in the community is that when you create spaces of authenticity—spaces where there’s no need to code-switch or downplay your Blackness—magic happens. Relationships flourish, businesses grow, and people feel seen and supported in ways that drive true personal and professional development.
Muriel Foster:
What makes Intentionally BLCK special is the intentionality behind every aspect of it. From our mission to foster a strong, supportive network of professionals of color, to the exclusive, culturally resonant events we curate, everything we do is designed to reflect the identity and excellence of those we serve. We believe in creating environments that foster authentic connections—spaces where you don’t just network but build relationships that fuel growth. Our philosophy is grounded in three core principles: authenticity, community-driven growth, and cultural excellence. These pillars guide everything we do and are reflected in the experiences we offer.
Akeel Bernard:
As we look to the future, Intentionally BLCK has plans to evolve into one of Houston’s premier social clubs where young professionals of color can not only network but also experience the richness of Black culture in elite, yet intentional spaces. We are excited to introduce curated experiences, from intimate dinners to exclusive panels and workshops with thought leaders and industry experts. Our goal is to continue cultivating a thriving ecosystem where members can collaborate, share resources, and uplift one another in both personal and professional endeavors. And of course, This is Us will remain a cornerstone event each Black History Month, growing in size and impact each year.
Muriel Foster:
Intentionally BLCK is a direct reflection of where we believe culture, community, and empowerment intersect. We’re creating a community where professionals of color can come together not just to socialize but to collaborate on initiatives that create lasting impact. We want our members to feel that they’re part of something bigger—a community that amplifies Black excellence and drives collective success. Our long-term goal is to expand the impact of Intentionally BLCK beyond Houston, establishing chapters in other major cities that serve as hubs for Black professionals to connect, grow, and lead.
Akeel Bernard:
What excites us most is that we are just getting started. We see Intentionally BLCK becoming a beacon for what it means to be unapologetically Black, both personally and professionally. As we expand our membership and offerings, we aim to set the standard for spaces that uplift, empower, and celebrate Black culture. This is more than just a club—it’s a movement. We invite everyone to join us as we continue to grow and build a legacy of positive impact, one intentional connection at a time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Muriel Foster:
Looking back on our journey, I would say three qualities have been instrumental in getting us to where we are today: intentionality, adaptability, and community-building. First, being intentional has been central to everything we do at Intentionally BLCK. Whether we were curating our first This is Us event or crafting the mission for our social club, we knew that creating spaces for targeted demographic had to be done with deep purpose. This intentionality shaped our vision and gave us clarity as we moved forward.
Akeel Bernard:
I completely agree with, Muriel. I would add that resilience has been crucial as well. Starting anything from the ground up, especially something as meaningful as Intentionally BLCK, comes with its fair share of challenges. But it’s that resilience, that ability to keep pushing forward and adapting to whatever comes your way, that has helped us overcome those obstacles. The second quality is adaptability. Both of us have worked across diverse sectors, from entrepreneurship to nonprofit, and each experience required us to be flexible and open to change. In a rapidly evolving landscape, adaptability helps you see opportunities where others might see roadblocks.
Muriel Foster:
Absolutely. Adaptability is key, especially when you’re serving a diverse community with different needs and expectations. The last skill I’d highlight is relationship-building. You can have the best ideas in the world, but without the right relationships, it’s difficult to bring those ideas to life. Being able to build strong, authentic connections with others has allowed us to grow Intentionally BLCK into what it is today—a space where people feel seen, valued, and supported.
Akeel Bernard:
For those early in their journey, our advice would be to first develop intentionality. Understand your “why.” What are you trying to achieve, and who are you trying to serve? The clearer you are about your purpose, the easier it becomes to make decisions that align with that vision. Start small but with purpose—every step you take should be rooted in that larger goal.
Muriel Foster:
To develop adaptability, put yourself in situations where you’re forced to pivot and problem-solve. Whether it’s through a new project or collaborating with people from different industries, these experiences teach you how to adjust to unexpected changes. Flexibility is one of the greatest skills you can hone, in a world that’s always changing.
Akeel Bernard:
And finally, focus on relationship-building. Go beyond transactional networking and truly invest in the people around you. Be genuine in your connections, offer support when you can, and understand that relationships take time to nurture. These connections will be invaluable as you grow—both personally and professionally.
Muriel Foster:
Exactly. The key is to be intentional in your relationships as well. Don’t just think about how someone can help you—think about how you can contribute to their journey too. By focusing on these three areas—intentionality, adaptability, and relationship-building—you’ll not only set yourself up for success but also create a strong foundation for whatever you’re trying to build.
Akeel Bernard:
That’s the essence of what helped us create Intentionally BLCK. We didn’t rush the process, but instead focused on building something meaningful and impactful, which is exactly what we hope others can do as well.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
We are actively looking for partners and collaborators who resonate with our mission at Intentionally BLCK. To us, being an Intentionally BLCK Business means embracing a commitment to authenticity, community-driven growth, and cultural excellence. It’s about fostering an environment where young and gifted professionals of color can thrive, share their experiences, and uplift one another.
We seek to work with individuals and organizations that:
Prioritize Authenticity: You recognize the importance of being true to oneself and understand that embracing individuality enhances community strength. You aim to create spaces that allow professionals of color to express their identities without compromise.
Focus on Community-Driven Growth: You believe in the power of collaboration and are dedicated to building relationships that foster mutual success. You seek to create programs and initiatives that empower others and enhance the collective well-being of our community.
Celebrate Cultural Excellence: You are passionate about highlighting and promoting culture through innovative experiences, events, and outreach efforts and strive to honor the richness of your heritage in everything you do.
If you are a business, nonprofit, or individual who embodies these principles and wants to make a meaningful impact in the Houston ecosystem for professionals of color, we invite you to connect with us. Together, we can create transformative experiences that uplift our community and celebrate our shared identities. To join the Intentionally BLCK Collective or explore partnership opportunities, please reach out to us at info@intentionallyblck.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.intentionallyblck.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intentionallyblck/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/intentionallyblck
- Twitter: https://x.com/intentionalblck?s=21
Image Credits
All photos taken belong to Muriel Foster, Akeel Bernard & Intentionally BLCK LLC
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
