Martin Luther King Jr. has been recognized as an “icon for democracy,” and today is a time for people from every race, ethnicity, and culture to celebrate. As we look back on the past year, we hope that you find inspiration from the incredible black and African American women we have profiled and want to share with you again today. Together, we can create a stronger foundation for a better workplace in the future.
If you or someone you know should be nominated to tell their career story on TheGlassHammer around our digital campfire in 2021 to inspire others, we would love to hear from you.
Please enjoy these articles in which each amazing professional gets to tell their story and how each individual has had to navigate the journey as women of color. There are themes like the importance of self-advocacy, sponsorship and organizational commitment to reducing barriers and systemic issues. In particular, Black women already face more barriers to advancement than most other employees, and now, they are shouldering much heavier burdens. Black women are more than twice as likely to say that the death of a loved one and incidents of racial violence across the U.S. have been overwhelming challenges during the pandemic. According to the Women in the Workplace study, now Black women say they cannot bring their whole selves to work and are more than 1.5 times as likely to say they do not feel like they have strong allies at work.
LeanIn and other sources suggest that to better support Black women, companies need to take action by addressing these distinct challenges head-on and fostering a culture that values Black professionals in the workplace. Companies need to emphasize that discriminatory behaviors and microaggressions against Black women will not be tolerated. Also, giving Black women a voice in shaping new company norms, can provide unique perspectives and experiences when creating a more inclusive workplace culture.
1. Veronica Willis, Investment Strategy Analyst at Wells Fargo Investment Institute
Willis discusses a career shift into investment strategy, finding her own stride as a leader, and what the remote working environment has taught her so far.
“I’ve learned a lot of strategies about productivity during this working-from-home time due to COVID-19. I’ve also learned a lot about what really is high and low priority, so now I know what to focus on and I will take this back to the office with me.”
2. Melanie Priddy, the Chief Talent Officer at Katten
Priddy speaks about the value of connections, the need to merge professional development with diversity, and the importance of self-advocacy.
“At the end of day, relationships are the key to everything, regardless of what industry you’re in, or what your profession is.”
3. Beverly Robinson, Client Service Consultant at Abbot Downing
Robinson discusses how she is a woman both of influence and advocacy.
“As an African American woman in Corporate America, I’ve learned that I cannot afford to be thin-skinned when my ideas are usurped, re-mixed or claimed by others. There’s an art to being a woman of diversity, inclusion and advocacy.”
4. Afua Richardson-Parry, Senior Medical Manager at Pfizer Ltd.
Richardson-Parry had always strived to be a hands-on person, prone to learning new things in keeping with the pace of a dynamic and changing healthcare ecosystem.
“Knowing what you’re best at and what others can and should do instead of doing it all yourself allows you to be your best.”
5. Shani Hatcher, Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors
Hatcher shares how taking a compassionate approach to wellbeing and family time, especially during the current pandemic, has become extremely useful.
“The best thing about my job is helping people. It is humbling that I can be there for my clients during difficult times, I don’t want them to feel alone. I, too, am an individual and a mother dealing with the pandemic, so I tell them we can get through this together.”
6. Devlyn Lorenzen, Business Support Associate at Wells Fargo Advisors
Lorenzen talks about how a turning point in her career helped her develop a renewed confidence and determination.
“Take charge of your own narrative and find people who will speak up for you.”
7. Kacy J. Gambles, SVP Regional Manager of Investment and Fiduciary Services for the East Bay and San Jose California Regions at Wells Fargo Private Bank
Being an African American executive, Gambles discusses her journey in the financial services industry and how proud she is to be navigating the journey as a woman of color every day.
“Be bold, be brave and just be you. Don’t shrink to please the people around you.”
8. Melandee Jones Canady, Delivery Executive at AARP
Over the years, Canady has learned that if you’re not upfront about letting people know your accomplishments, it opens the door for others to create your narrative on your behalf.
“I wish I had been more vocal early on; I was a doer quietly performing my work, until someone pulled me aside and said I needed to start broadcasting more of my achievements.”
9. Claudine A. Chen-Young, Partner at Katten
Chen-Young shares her attention has shifted focus toward mentoring and sponsoring women associates in meaningful ways on a broader scale, an emphasis she continues today.
“What drives me is the impact I can have on other people.”
We look forward to hearing from you and hope that the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. will inspire us and the words of Maya Angelou will be something we live by today and always because there is so much truth to her proclamation of “When you know better, you do better.”
Walk the talk! Everyday.
Contact Allie@theglasshammer.com if you want to be considered for a profile or editorial submission