1. What does it mean to you to be African American?

To me being African American means being part of a culture that has overcome challenges, shattered glass ceilings, and set social trends.

African Americans have faced financial and societal deficits that created inequities. Yet, African Americans have made valuable contributions throughout history, in areas such as science, civil rights, women’s rights, politics, sports, and music. Marie Daly was a biochemist and the first African American woman with a PhD in chemistry. Sojourner Truth and Ida B. Wells were historic advocates for civil rights and women’s rights. Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress. Jesse Owens and Arthur Ashe were trailblazers in athletics who set records and left a mark in their respective sports. African American culture has also had an impact on music, introducing various genres such as jazz, gospel, blues, R&B, and hip-hop.

Being African American means persevering beyond the limits!

2. What is your favorite part of your heritage?

One of my favorite things is family reunions. It is an opportunity for family members (old and new) to reconnect as we move into various stages of our lives. Reunions allow family members to enjoy great food, music, and fun activities while strengthening connections and creating memories that will be shared for generations to come.

Another important piece of my heritage is honoring the heroes from the past, as well as celebrating our present heroes. From my great great-great-grandmother who became a savvy landowner and businesswoman with no formal education, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks who paved the way for civil rights and equality, to Barack Obama who became the first black president (I’ll never forget my father’s reaction), to the current Vice President Kamala Harris who exemplifies that through diligence and dedication, all opportunities are achievable.

3. How do you personally work with people to create or foster diversity, equity, and inclusion?

I work with people to create and foster DEI by understanding the differences in the workplace to create a rich environment that encompasses a melting pot of ideas. When we look at things from different viewpoints, we begin to grow and flourish as a community and society by not being judgmental and treating everyone fairly.

I believe everyone should be given the opportunity to have a voice and share their cultural identity because while we are all different individually, we all have something to offer—and our uniqueness is what elevates our ideas and forward progress.

4. In what ways have your past experiences with DEI influenced how you approach your work, your colleagues, and the world as a whole?

Being an African American woman, I have encountered many facets of diversity, equity, and inclusion scenarios. These experiences have influenced my approach to my work by ensuring I stay abreast of my professional competencies so that I am seen for my work and not just my ethnicity.

Acknowledging my colleague’s diversity and cultural identity allows me to align my cultural diversity with others to create a harmonious and rich work environment. It has also influenced my approach to the world as I play a vital role in incorporating core cultural values that promote including and involving people from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

My cultural experiences allow me to respect and appreciate the diversity of others.

5. What does it mean to you to have a commitment to diversity and inclusion? How do you think we can continue to support the need for social change?

Having a commitment to diversity and inclusion means not standing by and watching others being treated unjustly. It means playing an active role in ensuring that all feel welcomed and valued.

We can continue to support the need for social change by bringing awareness of diversity and inclusion not only in the workplace but in society overall and by providing platforms that allow diversity to be displayed.

6. Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

I am a DIY enthusiast. I love to build, decorate, repair, and make things around the house instead of paying someone else to do.