EBONY HEIGHTS
Meet Sherma Charles, Social Work Leader, Consultant and Founder of Ebony Heights Enterprises.
Sherma's work is rooted in her Social Work profession with over a decade in management of specialist and multi-disciplinary teams in the Social Work and Charity sectors.
With significant experience in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, and a background in coaching & mentoring, Sherma specialises in the training and development of professionals and students, particularly Black and racially minoritised women and girls who are navigating complex, often hostile professional and educational spaces that were not created for them.
Her lived experience of racial trauma in the workplace has deeply shaped her practice. Instead of shrinking, she chose to turn her pain into power – challenging the narratives, systems and environments that try to minimise, silence or erase people who look like her.
Ebony Heights is Sherma's personal mission in motion: a space grounded in anti-racist paradigms and culturally humble practice; where you are not asked to dilute, shrink or conform in exchange for acceptance.
Ebony Heights works with carefully selected associate coaches, mentors and trainers in support of this mission.
Here, your full self is the standard – and your growth, healing and development are non‑negotiable.
Coaching & Empowerment
Creating spaces where Black and racially minoritised women can pause, reflect, heal, grow and step confidently into their next chapter.
Founded on the principles of empowerment, authenticity and culturally responsive practice, our programmes are designed to support women navigating personal, professional and leadership transitions.
Whether you are seeking restoration, renewed confidence, greater clarity or the courage to embrace new opportunities, Ebony Heights offers a supportive environment where your experiences are honoured, your voice is valued and your growth is prioritised.
Through group programmes, mentoring, coaching and facilitated development experiences, we support women to reconnect with themselves, strengthen their foundations and rise into the fullest expression of who they are.
Explore our signature programmes below and discover the pathway that feels right for you.
EBONY HEIGHTS:
Coaching & Mentorship Programs
The Sanctuary
Restore. Reconnect. Reclaim.
A restorative wellbeing and empowerment programme for Black and racially minoritised women who are carrying too much and longing for space to breathe.
The Sanctuary offers a compassionate and supportive environment to explore rest, boundaries, wellbeing, identity and self-care.
Through guided reflection, meaningful conversation and practical tools, participants are supported to reconnect with themselves and imagine life beyond survival.
Ideal for women seeking restoration, healing and renewed balance.
“The Sanctuary was the pause I didn’t know I needed.
It gave me a soft place to land, process racial harm and reconnect with my body. I left feeling lighter, resourced and held by a community of Black women who truly understood.”
Sandra
The Foundation
Build Confidence. Strengthen Identity. Create Possibility.
A mentoring and personal development programme designed to help Black and racially minoritised women develop a stronger sense of self, confidence and direction.
The Foundation supports participants to explore identity, self-worth, relationships, purpose and future aspirations while developing practical skills to navigate life, education, employment and personal growth.
Ideal for women seeking greater confidence, clarity and direction.
“The Foundation helped me rebuild how I see myself.
I stopped shrinking in rooms that were never designed with me in mind and started naming my needs without apology.
It was the first space where my experiences as a young Brown woman were believed and honoured.”
Meera
The Ascent
Lead with Confidence. Influence with Purpose.
A personal leadership and empowerment programme for women who are ready to step into their next level of growth, impact and visibility.
The Ascent supports participants to strengthen their voice, clarify their values, develop healthy boundaries and lead authentically in their work, business, community and personal lives.
Ideal for women ready to embrace leadership, progression and purposeful change.
“Working with Sherma through The Ascent gave me language, courage and strategy.
For the first time in my career I felt seen as a Black woman leader, not a problem to be managed.
I now make decisions from a place of clarity instead of survival.”
Ayshari
Retreats & Transformational Getaways
Ebony Heights founder Sherma Charles is also an Independent Travel Concierge who curates retreats and workshop experiences designed for women who are on, or wanting to start, a journey of self enlightenment – a journey back to who they were always meant to become; and for burnt out professionals just needing time and space to simply pause.
Upcoming Experiences:
✨ 3-night UK Retreat | November 2026 - SOLD OUT
❤️2-day Galentines Getaway | Bucharest | Feb 2027
🐪Annual Revive Retreat - Morocco | May 2027
If you would like to be kept updated about our retreats, please use the contact form below to request updates.
EBONY HEIGHTS:
Practice
&
Consulting
For organisations in the Social Care, Education and Charity sectors wanting to cultivate professional, anti-racist, culturally humble and psychologically safe working environments.
Our bespoke themed Lecture, Training & Workshop offer is designed to dismantle systemic barriers while equipping organisations with the tactical leadership tools needed to thrive and lead within their unique corporate landscapes.
Workshops & Lectures
🕯️
Anti-Oppressive & Reflective Practice
Exploring power, bias, systemic inequity, accountability, and meaningful organisational change.
Potential workshops/lectures:
- Anti-Oppressive Paradigms & Meaningful EDI Initiatives
- Decolonising Professional Practice
- Accountability Beyond Performative Inclusion
- Ethical Leadership & Inclusive Cultures
🫶🏾
Identity, Belonging & Workplace Culture
Examining the lived realities of navigating professional spaces while holding marginalised identities.
Potential workshops/lectures:
- Code Switching in the Workplace: The Emotional & Psychological Toll
- Intersectionality
- Belonging, Authenticity & Psychological Safety
- The Hidden Labour of Professional Survival
🤝🏾
Trauma-Informed Organisations & Racial Harm
Supporting organisations to understand how systems, environments, and workplace cultures can create or perpetuate trauma.
Potential workshops/lectures:
- Racial Trauma: Workplace Practices That Harm
- Trauma-Informed Leadership
- Psychological Safety in the Workplace
- Microaggressions & Cumulative Harm
🗣️
Language, Communication & Professional Narratives
Exploring how language shapes perception, outcomes, dignity, and professional decision-making.
Potential workshops/lectures:
- Language Awareness & Recording
- Strengths-Based Recording Practices
- Bias in Professional Narratives
- The Power of Language in Safeguarding & Care
Delivery methods also include keynote speaking, facilitated conversations, reflective practice spaces, leadership development, and consultancy support.
* Additional topics and bespoke workshops can be designed.
** Prices vary depending on your specific requirements, number of attendees, and delivery format (online or face-to-face).
For a tailored quote, please use the contact form below to send a detailed enquiry.
Consultancy
(60 minutes)
A focused 60‑minute consultation to explore your context, current challenges and what kind of workshop, training or support would be most useful for your team.
Investment: £60
If you decide to book a workshop or lecture following this call, the consultation fee will be deducted from the total cost.
What we cover in this consultation?
- A brief overview of your organisation
- The specific challenges or questions you’re holding around culture, , EDI, staff wellbeing or culture.
- Which workshop(s), training or support options are likely to be the best fit right now.
- Practical next steps, including a clear outline of fees and possible timelines.
“Through our consultation with Ebony Heights, we were able to step back and see the impact of our culture on Black and racially minoritised staff through a systemic lens.
We recognised how little protection and support our structures actually offered them, and left with clear, practical steps to create a safer, more accountable organisation.”
Danielle
Our Mission Statements
Cultivating the Future of Black and Racially Minoritised Female Excellence
At Ebony Heights: Coaching & Empowerment, we believe that holistic empowerment begins with intentional space. Through our tailored mentorship programs; The Ascent, The Foundation, and The Sanctuary - we provide Black and and racially minoritised women with the strategic tools to navigate their professional and personal worlds with unwavering confidence. Our mission is to bridge the gap between potential and achievement, fostering a legacy of resilience and bespoke leadership development for the next generation of pioneers.
Championing Organisational Equity & Anti-Oppressive Practice
Ebony Heights: Practice & Consulting partners with organisations to build cultures grounded in equity, accountability and psychological safety.
Through reflective training, consultancy and partnership, we support leaders and teams to recognise harm, address racial and structural inequities, and embed trauma‑informed, anti‑oppressive ways of working.
This arm of the business holds a distinct mission from our coaching and mentorship work; speaking directly to organisations committed to meaningful, long-term change.
Let's Soar Together
Whether you're ready to begin your journey with 'The Ascent' or seeking bespoke EDI workshops for your organisation, we are here to support your elevation. Reach out to discuss how we can tailor our mentorship and training to your unique vision.
Email: enquiries@ebonyheightsenterprises.com
WhatsApp: 07842576353
Location: London, United Kingdom
HOLISTIC MENTORSHIP FOR BLACK WOMEN • THE ASCENT • THE FOUNDATION • THE SANCTUARY •
EDI WORKSHOPS • BESPOKE TRAINING • EMPOWERMENT • EBONY HEIGHTS ENTERPRISES •