February is US National Black History Month – a time to celebrate the cultures and contributions of Black and African Americans throughout US history.
This February, in celebration of Black History Month, The Bridge — Red Ventures’ Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and Pacific Islander (BILAP) employee resource group — will be highlighting teammates from RV’s Black community who have made a lasting impact on their teams, towns, and networks. To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at RV, visit diversity.redventures.com.
Why is it important for companies to nurture and celebrate diverse workforces?
It is important for companies to foster diversity in the workplace because it makes more people willing to speak comfortably and contribute their ideas. Our different perspectives and life experiences make us look at problems from different angles. Our different walks of life shape the way we look and approach issues. Having a group with entirely similar walks of life does not allow for as diverse problem solving methods. We need diversity to more effectively solve the most difficult problems; we will run into problems where our conventional thinking will not work. These differing experiences together help us think outside this box.
What do you think about when you hear “Black History Month”?
When I think about “Black History Month,” I think about all the sacrifices our ancestors made for us to be able to have the freedoms we have now. I think about all the history that is not taught to us, about the legacy of our people and the constant, unwarranted mistreatment they endured. Black History Month is a time to celebrate the strength of Black people that is often overshadowed. When I think of these things, it makes me want to continue to be successful, and to teach the next generation all I have learned and make sure they know their history so that it is not repeated.
What’s been your proudest moment, biggest accomplishment, and/or most impactful contribution in your RV career so far?
My proudest moment has been — and continues to be — joining the RV Healthline copy editing team. I am blessed to work alongside some of the most passionate and caring people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Together, with each copy edit we complete, we ensure RV Healthline’s content upholds our standards of excellence and is presented with an empathetic voice as it’s continually made available to our readers around the world, helping them live stronger, healthier lives.
My biggest accomplishment is having the privilege and honor of serving as the co-facilitator of our partnership with the Black Women’s Health Imperative. Through our partnership, we’re committed to leveraging the RV platform to support and help amplify the presence and work of this national nonprofit — the only organization founded by Black women and committed to the holistic success of Black women and girls by focusing on their health and wellness. As a Black woman, this partnership has a special meaning. As I work to help support and empower Black women and girls, I’m also being blessed, encouraged, and inspired.
My most impactful contribution has been serving on the Global Task Force for DEI in Our Content. Alongside teammates from RV Healthline and other RV verticals, we worked together for several months, thoroughly evaluating our content creation processes across brands to identify similarities and differences as well as opportunity areas. From this analysis, we created recommendations on effectively infusing DEI into our content. We provided these recommendations via a presentation to the Global Content Cabinet members who are now working to strategically implement them. Our goal is to periodically meet to discuss and evaluate progress on the implementation phase.
What do you think about when you hear “Black History Month”?
During this special time set aside to highlight our history, I remember and reflect on the trials and trauma that Black people have and continue to experience. But I also celebrate the triumphs, fueled so many times by the strength and determination generated from experiencing tragedies. Black history is at the core of our country’s foundation and largely responsible for its progression and that of the world in many ways.
Black history informs us that slaves built the White House and the Capitol. In fact, a largely self-taught Black man, Benjamin Banneker, presented the land survey that established the original borders of what would become our nation’s capital. Black history tells us that a Black woman, Henrietta Lacks, involuntarily became a significant contributor to scientific research after being diagnosed with and while receiving treatment for cervical cancer. For over 70 years, her cancer cells, known as HeLa cells, have been used in groundbreaking research, including the development of the polio vaccine. We have such a rich history. I will continually celebrate Black History Month, share our history, and encourage others to do so as well.
Who are some of the Black and African American role models in your life?
Though they’ve transitioned, my maternal and paternal grandparents have and will always be my primary role models. I miss them so much, but I know they’re always with me. They had core beliefs that they instilled in me that continually encourage and help me.
- Keep God first in everything you do.
- Love and support your family.
- Be a humanitarian — always help people however and whenever you can, remembering and honoring that you’ve received help along your journey — life is not a solo road.
I am the person I am because of their love, support, and wisdom.
To read the first installment of our 2021 Black History Month Employee Spotlights, click here.
