In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving professional landscape, the rise of women of color in leadership roles is more important than ever. Naomi Wright and Krystal Vega, the dynamic founders of Fortune & Forks, are not just creating a community for women of color—they are actively shaping the future of corporate women, especially those who are navigating their careers after college. Their journey from interning at BET to building a thriving business and mentorship platform is a testament to their commitment to empowering young professional women. Here’s how these two women are revolutionizing the world for young professionals, balancing business with friendship, and fostering success for the next wave of women leaders.
Naomi Wright and Krystal Vega’s story began at BET, where both of them interned while in college. It was here that they met and began forging a bond built on shared values and mutual respect. Their time at BET, shaped by the mentorship of seasoned professionals, became the foundation for their professional paths. The skills they gained during their internships—business acumen, attention to detail, and the art of connecting with people—would go on to influence their work as entrepreneurs.
“We learned a lot during our time at BET—how to navigate the corporate world, how to be professional, and how to support one another,” Naomi explained. “That experience made us realize the power of creating a supportive community, especially for women of color who often feel isolated in corporate spaces.”
Their shared vision led them to found Fortune & Forks—a community designed to connect women of color and provide them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in their careers after college. What started as a small idea has since grown into a vibrant community where professional women come together to network, collaborate, and uplift each other.
One of the driving forces behind Fortune & Forks is Naomi and Krystal’s dedication to women who are in the early stages of their careers, transitioning from college life into the professional world. Their goal is to provide opportunities for recent graduates to learn from seasoned professionals, build valuable networks, and gain the confidence to succeed.
“We’ve always believed in the power of giving back to the next generation,” Krystal shared. “When we first started Fortune & Forks, we wanted to make sure that women who had just graduated college had access to the kind of community and resources we didn’t always have when we were starting out.”
While their focus has primarily been on empowering women who are already navigating the corporate world, Naomi and Krystal are looking ahead to create initiatives that will support college students as well. “We want to make sure that college girls feel they have a seat at the table when they transition into the workforce. Our goal is to equip them with the tools they need before they even graduate,” Naomi said.
This year, they’re planning to launch specific initiatives that will allow college students to access the Fortune & Forks community. These initiatives will include exclusive programs and scholarships for college girls, as well as opportunities for them to engage with professional women in the community and gain mentorship before they enter the workforce. “It’s about preparing them to transition into the professional world with confidence and a strong network of support,” Krystal explained.
One of the most unique aspects of Naomi and Krystal’s partnership is the seamless balance they’ve found between their personal friendship and professional relationship. Many wonder how they manage to keep the lines clear between being friends and business partners, but Naomi and Krystal share a mutual understanding that has allowed them to succeed in both areas.
“We’re probably terrible at turning it off, but that’s what makes us work so well together,” Krystal joked. “We share the same work ethic, and because of that, we understand that sometimes we need to focus on the task at hand, but we also know when to take a step back and be friends.”
Naomi agreed, saying that their success as business partners is rooted in their alignment on values and goals. “It’s about knowing that your friendship and your business goals are in sync,” she said. “When we’re aligned on the bigger picture—like our mission to empower women of color and build a community of support—it makes everything else flow naturally.”
This unique blend of friendship and business has allowed them to grow Fortune & Forks in a way that is grounded in purpose, which has contributed to its success. They don’t just collaborate on events and business strategy; they also encourage each other to stay grounded in their personal values and what they’re trying to achieve in the world.
At the heart of Fortune & Forks is its community—an ecosystem of like-minded women of color who are passionate about supporting one another. Naomi and Krystal are intentional about the kind of women they attract to their network, seeking those who are not only ambitious but also willing to give back to the community.
“Our members are women who understand the value of community,” Naomi said. “They know that in order to thrive, they need to be active participants in supporting each other. It’s about what you can do for others, not just what you can get from them.”
Krystal echoed this sentiment, describing the Fortune & Forks woman as someone who is confident in her own lane and comfortable in her own skin. “We’ve built a community where women don’t feel the need to compete with each other,” Krystal explained. “Instead, they’re focused on helping each other succeed, knowing that there’s enough room for everyone.”
While Fortune & Forks has already made a significant impact on women in the early stages of their careers, Naomi and Krystal are eager to expand their reach to college students. They recognize that for women to thrive post-graduation, they need support and guidance before they even step into the workforce.
“We’re really excited about the future,” Naomi shared. “We want to be more proactive in helping college students prepare for the professional world. It’s about bridging that gap and providing them with opportunities to start building their network and career even before they graduate.”
Krystal added, “We’re focusing on creating more touchpoints for college girls—whether through scholarships, events, or mentorship programs—so they have the resources they need to hit the ground running once they graduate.”
For college students and recent graduates looking to follow in their footsteps, Naomi and Krystal have one key piece of advice: take risks and invest in what you believe in. “Don’t be afraid to put your resources into something you’re passionate about,” Naomi said. “Create a proof of concept, be consistent, and always be willing to learn.”
Krystal emphasized the importance of taking yourself seriously. “If you want others to take you seriously, you have to take yourself seriously first,” she said. “Invest in your passions and be ready to put in the work—it won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it.”
Naomi and Krystal’s story is a powerful example of how friendship, business, and purpose can intersect to create something truly impactful. As they continue to lead the next generation of corporate women, their commitment to uplifting others, especially college girls, and building a strong community will undoubtedly inspire many more women to follow their lead.