A wave of abrupt job cuts is sweeping across multiple sectors in 2025, leaving thousands of workers not only unemployed but also without severance pay or continued healthcare coverage. This trend is generating significant anxiety among employees and raising questions about the evolving nature of workforce management.
“The speed at which you lose access to your work accounts can differ; in some situations, access may be revoked immediately, while in others, you might have until the end of the day or the week.”
The Human Impact
The lack of severance and continued healthcare is compounding the stress of unemployment. Workers are left to navigate complex benefit systems, often under tight deadlines, to avoid gaps in medical coverage. For many, the sudden loss of income and health insurance is a double blow, especially for those with ongoing medical needs or family obligations.
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What’s Driving the Cuts?
Several factors are fueling this surge in layoffs without severance:
Efforts to boost efficiency and cut costs, particularly in government and tech sectors.
Economic uncertainty and restructuring in response to market pressures.
Over-hiring during the pandemic, followed by rapid downsizing as companies recalibrate.
What Can Workers Do?
Experts advise that anyone facing an unexpected layoff shouldimmediately save all communications related to their termination, as access to company systems may be revoked without notice. Preserving these records can be crucial for negotiating final pay, benefits, or potential legal claims.
As the layoff wave continues, workers are urged to stay informed, maintain updated records, and proactively seek new opportunities to mitigate the impact of sudden job loss in a volatile employment landscape.
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Houston Strong Child Placement Agency, a minority-owned adoption and foster care organization, is actively involved in the legacy planning process alongside Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and her company Doing Far More LLC. Their participation highlights how legacy planning extends beyond financial assets to encompass emotional security and generational impact for families—especially those formed through adoption and foster care. These important insights were shared during an interview with Roselyn Omaka and further brought to the community at the Black Entrepreneur Tour’s Spring Formal, hosted by Doing Far More LLC, where the conversation focused on building lasting legacies for all families.
Credit: Law Vision Photography
How the Agency Contributes
The agency assists families and children in the foster care system to find permanent, loving homes, emphasizing the importance of family stability as a foundational part of legacy creation.
For adoptive and foster families, legacy planning includes preparing for the emotional and financial future of children who may have experienced instability, ensuring they are supported and secure even after the current caregivers are gone.
The agency’s leadership, with experience in both social work and hospice care, advocates for comprehensive legacy planning—incorporating life insurance, emotional well-being, and continuity for children and families.
By involving adoption agencies in the legacy conversation, Mrs. Donna expands the definition of legacy to include the creation and nurturing of family bonds, not just the transfer of wealth or assets.
“That legacy piece is establishing yourself but then also establishing the generations that come behind, whether that’s from a position of life insurance, emotional security… all those different elements that bring that comfort to your loved ones when you’re no longer here and leaving your fingerprints and your footprints even when you’re gone.” — Marlon Randolph, Houston Strong Child Placement Agency
At Doing Far More LLC’s Black Entrepreneurship Tour, Roselyn Omaka of Bolanle Media sat down with Hattie M. Banks, founder and CEO of B’Elite Hand Rolled Cigar Service, for a conversation that blended luxury, culture, and legacy. As one of the few Black African American cigar rollers in the industry, Hattie shared how her business is redefining elegance, offering bespoke hand-rolled cigars for weddings, corporate events, trade shows, and private celebrations.
During the interview, Hattie spoke about her passion for the art of cigar rolling and what sets B’Elite apart: “I specialize in the art of rolling cigars. I’m a bit of an anomaly because there aren’t many Black African American cigar rollers, so I consider myself special.” Her presence at the tour was inspired by the chance to connect with other entrepreneurs and to bring awareness to the importance of legacy planning, a theme central to Doing Far More’s mission.
B’Elite offers immersive, hands-on cigar rolling experiences, from VIP packages that include luxury accessories and bourbon pairings to live rolling for events, all crafted for those who expect nothing less than the elite. Hattie’s story is a testament to the power of passion, representation, and planning for the future.
Watch the full interview with Hattie on Bolanle Media’s YouTube channel (@bolanlemedia)—like and subscribe for more inspiring stories. For more on B’Elite Hand Rolled Cigar Service, visit their website or connect for your next event.
The Black Entrepreneur Tour: Spring Formal, hosted at The Grand UpperRoom in Katy, TX, was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of what it means to build and protect a legacy in Houston’s Black community. This impactful gathering was made possible entirely by Doing Far More LLC, led by the visionary Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne. Her passion and dedication brought together entrepreneurs, visionaries, and families for an afternoon focused on real strategies for generational wealth, with a special emphasis on the often-overlooked role of real estate in legacy planning.
Credit: DShot Productions Roselyn Omaka from Bolanle Media and Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne from Doing Far More LLC
The Meaning Behind the Movement
Legacy planning is about more than passing down money or a business. It’s about ensuring that the values, stories, and assets you’ve worked hard to build will continue to benefit your family and community for generations. As Mrs. Donna shared, “It’s not just about what you leave behind—it’s about how you set your loved ones up to thrive long after you’re gone.” The event created a safe, celebratory space for guests to share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, making the experience deeply meaningful for all who attended.
The Real Estate Advantage
One of the most impactful topics discussed was the role of real estate in legacy planning. Real estate is more than an investment—it’s a cornerstone of generational wealth. By securing property, families can:
Build equity that appreciates over time
Provide stable housing or rental income for future generations
Avoid the pitfalls of probate and family disputes through proper titling and estate planning
Anchor a family’s presence and influence in their community
As highlighted during the event, many families lose valuable real estate due to lack of planning, leading to unnecessary legal battles and the loss of generational wealth. Mrs. Donna and her team emphasized the importance of proactive steps—like creating wills, trusts, and clear succession plans—to ensure that homes and properties remain assets, not burdens, for those left behind.
A Conversation That Matters
A highlight of the afternoon was the video interview with Roselyn Omaka, Founder and CEO of Bolanle Media. Sitting down with Mrs. Donna, Roselyn explored the deeper significance of legacy planning and how real estate can be a game-changer for Black families and entrepreneurs. Their conversation brought to light the urgent need for education and action, inspiring attendees to think beyond immediate business success and focus on long-term impact.
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Credit: DShot Productions
A Community United by Purpose
The Spring Formal wasn’t just about information—it was about inspiration and connection. Guests shared personal stories, learned from experts like Brittany Hall, owner of La Lutte Empire; Marcus Bowers , CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston; and Martel Matthews (Black Wall Street and Trustavio), and left with practical tools to start their own legacy planning journeys. The event’s unique “pre-planning party” atmosphere turned a traditionally somber topic into a celebration of life, family, and future possibilities.
Stay Connected
Families looking to keep up with Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and Doing Far More LLC can find resources, events, and one-on-one support through their website, social media, and direct contact. The movement continues, and everyone is invited to be part of a legacy that uplifts, protects, and empowers the next generation.
This entire impactful event was brought to you by Doing Far More LLC—Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne’s vision and leadership made it all possible.
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Contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne & Doing Far More LLC:
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