Podcast Summary: She’s So Lucky – “You’re Not Behind. You’re Just in the Wrong Room”
Host: Les Alfred
Guests: Naomi Wright & Crystal Vega (Co-Founders, Fortune and Forks)
Date: November 4, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the power of community, networking, and intentional connection for women—especially women of color—navigating their careers and entrepreneurial journeys. Host Les Alfred welcomes Naomi Wright and Crystal Vega, co-founders of Fortune and Forks, for a candid conversation about building spaces for authentic connection, learning through persistence, rethinking what it means to “network,” and addressing real career and economic challenges in today’s world.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Origins of Fortune and Forks ([01:25]–[04:40])
- Meeting and Early Friendship: Naomi and Crystal met as production assistants at the BET Awards, unsure at first if they would even become friends, but quickly bonding through aligned work ethic and interests.
- “We were just babies, and we just, like, really wanted to be in community.” – Naomi [02:22]
- Collaboration Beginnings: Crystal had a podcast produced by Naomi, which served as their “practice run” before launching their venture together (Fortune and Forks).
- Desire for Community: Both felt alone as women of color in male-dominated, often exclusive (and white) professional spaces.
2. Identifying the Need for an Inclusive Community ([05:08]–[07:49])
- Navigating "Boys' Clubs": The women discuss the scarcity of women of color in media and music industries and the pervasive feeling of being left out due to lack of access and privilege.
- “I was like, I just don’t have the people with the information and the knowledge to help me get where I’m trying to go. And it was really disheartening.” – Naomi [05:39]
- The Importance of Relationships: Both shared how simply having skills wasn’t enough; connections and sponsorship were critical to career progression.
3. The First Fortune and Forks Dinner ([08:12]–[10:34])
- Grassroots Beginnings: The duo pooled their own limited resources to host the first dinner, emphasizing genuine connection for women in media—well before corporate sponsorship.
- “Literally rubbing our pennies together at the time.” – Crystal [08:23]
- Intentional Curation: They intentionally focused on a space for women building their careers, not just those at executive levels.
4. Growing Community and Staying True to the Mission ([11:36]–[15:06])
- Organic Momentum: The overwhelming response to their first event led to continued gatherings—despite financial and logistical challenges.
- Maintaining Mission Integrity: Early years without brand involvement allowed them to define their purpose and confidently say no to partnerships that didn’t align.
- “If I had been given all of the resources and access on day one, I would have had no idea what to do with it.” – Naomi [13:33]
5. Evolving With Feedback and Expanding the Vision ([15:17]–[17:36])
- Feedback-Driven Programming: Constantly evolving based on community needs—including mental health, wellness, and broad support beyond career advancement.
- Notable Quote: “When the girls say more, we do more. When they're like, we want to get together again...we try to do more.” – Crystal [17:02]
6. The Power & Path of “Networking Across” ([22:26]–[25:20])
- Concept of Networking Across: Eschewing the myth of only “networking up” for opportunities. Instead, focusing on authentic connections among peers, which often leads to more meaningful professional growth.
- “Every opportunity...as a media correspondent has came from a counterpart, another woman of color...left and right is definitely where it’s at.” – Crystal [23:53]
- Peer Relationships: Often, peer-level connections create better opportunities than those sought from “higher ups.”
7. Networking Advice and Lessons Learned ([25:20]–[32:17])
- Specific, Actionable Asks: When seeking mentorship or networking, be specific in what you ask for.
- “If somebody’s like, hey, what microphone do you use?...If it’s specific, then I’m like, here, I can give you...” – Les [27:48]
- Reputation & Integrity: Emphasize being reliable, helpful, and having a strong work ethic.
- “Being a good person...that's what I remember.” – Naomi [27:02]
- Early Career Missteps: Wasted time on “empty networking” and blurred lines between colleagues and friends—but these experiences built their judgment and resilience.
8. The Fortune and Forks Foundation & Giving Back ([32:17]–[34:56])
- Expanding Impact: Launch of the Fortune and Forks Foundation—focused on smoothing the transition from college to career for young women of color.
- Mentoring the Next Generation: Creating pipelines and real opportunities for women entering the workforce.
- “Mentees [will] see that there are women like them in a variety of fields.” – Crystal [33:47]
9. Navigating the Current Economic Climate ([34:56]–[38:10])
- Facing Job Loss: Discussion about the disproportionately negative impact of layoffs on Black women and women of color.
- Solution-Oriented Community: Sharing resources, practical advice, and encouraging downgrading lifestyle (when needed) while continuing to build community connections.
- “It’s the time to downsize and downgrade on the lifestyle stuff...put our heads down and do the work and help each other...” – Naomi [37:18]
10. Entrepreneurship, Persistence, and the Power of Partnership ([43:00]–[49:10])
- Realistic Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is not for everyone; many are pushed into it by necessity, and resilience is key.
- “All we did was keep going. Like, we didn’t quit.” – Naomi [46:18]
- Consistent Grind: Both Fortune and Forks and “She’s So Lucky” have grown not because of overnight success, but through years of steady effort and evolving vision.
- Partnership as a Strength: Having a co-founder to balance energy, cover for each other, and fill in gaps—contrary to the “never start a business with friends” myth.
11. Redefining Community: The Modern “Village” ([49:10]–[55:07])
- Being a Villager: Do what you commit to—small actions matter in sustaining a supportive community.
- “Just do what you say you’re gonna do.” – Crystal [50:40]
- Accountability and Grace: Setting intentions, providing gentle reminders, and giving each other grace are all essential to being part of a healthy village.
- “There’s a difference between a boundary and a wall.” – Les [54:02]
- Pandemic Impact: Social isolation challenged community bonds; now, intentional reconnection is needed to rebuild the village.
12. Looking Forward: What’s Next? ([56:03]–[59:42])
- Growth and Gratitude: Excitement about expanding the Fortune and Forks Foundation, building programs for high schoolers, and deepening impact across U.S. cities.
- “I had a moment of gratitude on the plane flying here. I was like, I get to build a business with my best friend...” – Naomi [57:02]
- Celebrating the Journey: Recognizing how far they’ve come, with a foundation of friendship and collaboration at the center.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Community and Luck:
“We were just babies, and we just, like, really wanted to be in community.”
— Naomi [02:22] -
On Building Intentionally:
“Had we let brands come in and just kind of move us any which way, we wouldn’t have been driven by, like, the North Star of our mission, which has always really been community.”
— Naomi [14:47] -
On Networking:
“Every opportunity...as a media correspondent has came from a counterpart, another woman of color and I was like, wow, that’s so crazy...left and right is definitely where it’s at.”
— Crystal [23:53] -
On the Power of Perseverance:
“All we did was keep going. Like, we didn’t quit.”
— Naomi [46:18] -
On the Importance of Showing Up as a Villager:
“Just do what you say you’re gonna do.”
— Crystal [50:40] -
On Gratitude:
“I get to build a business with my best friend, go on incredible podcasts that I’ve been watching for years and show up at Fashion Week...”
— Naomi [57:02]
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
- [01:25] – Naomi & Crystal introduce themselves and share how they met
- [05:39] – Naomi describes the challenge of navigating privileged spaces without connections
- [08:12] – The grassroots beginnings of Fortune and Forks dinners
- [15:17] – Discussing the evolution of Fortune and Forks, driven by community feedback
- [22:26] – The concept and value of networking across, not just “up”
- [27:48] – Les shares advice on specific asks in networking and mentorship
- [32:17] – Introduction of the Fortune and Forks Foundation and its mentorship goals
- [34:56] – Discussion on the current economic climate and actionable community-driven solutions
- [46:18] – The importance of steady perseverance in building a community or business
- [50:40] – Crystal on what it means to be a villager in today’s world
- [56:03] – What Naomi and Crystal are excited for next (future growth, gratitude, and evolving programs)
Tone & Style
The tone throughout is warm, candid, and empowering, with all speakers emphasizing vulnerability, realness, and practical guidance. Les steers the conversation thoughtfully, balancing inspiration with clear takeaways and actionable advice. Naomi and Crystal are open about mistakes, resilience, joys, and the continued evolution of Fortune and Forks.
Takeaways for Listeners
- Community is a Superpower: Building authentic, intentional relationships—especially with peers—can open more doors than chasing gatekeepers.
- Persistence Over Perfection: Success is often a slow burn, requiring consistency, integrity, and adaptability.
- Redefining Networking: “Networking across” is as valuable, if not more, than “networking up.” Be specific, helpful, and reliable.
- Being a “Villager”: Show up for others, do what you say, and foster community accountability balanced with grace.
- Investing in the Next Generation: Creating real pathways for young people and women of color is critical in today’s shifting professional landscape.
- Gratitude & Reflection: Recognize progress, practice gratitude for current achievements, and stay open to growth.
To learn more or connect with Fortune and Forks:
- Apply for membership or follow on social media for upcoming public events ([60:14])
- Support the Fortune and Forks Foundation and stay updated for gala and mentorship details
This episode is recommended for anyone interested in building intentional, impactful communities, navigating career transitions, or understanding the lived realities (and creative solutions) of women of color forging their own paths.