As a first-generation Jamaican American growing up in a non-diverse community, I often struggled with my identity and my confidence. I constantly asked myself: Who am I to step into a space with confidence and not compromise who I am at the core?
As a young child growing up in a Jamaican household, I wanted to embrace my roots. But the world around me often sent a different message. I felt the pressure to conform and guess what, I did. When I entered the corporate world, this tension followed me. I adjusted my behaviors in ways that felt like compromising myself.
What changed for me was finding BIPOC women who modeled authenticity. They showed me how to embrace assertiveness and which parts of my identity to bring into professional settings unapologetically.
For instance, I was raised by my Jamaican mother to respect my elders. This often meant avoiding challenging their opinions, refraining from raising my voice in public, and not expressing vulnerability. While these lessons instilled respect, they also made it difficult for me to assert myself in professional settings, especially around leaders with higher titles. I was always mindful of navigating these spaces with respect, but it was a Black female mentor who showed me how to fully embrace my assertiveness without compromising that respect.
She once told me, “Once you’ve earned a seat at the table, use it. It’s not about being the loudest voice, it’s about making your points count.” Her advice resonated deeply. During a pivotal meeting where I was being groomed for a higher role, I watched her navigate a challenging moment with remarkable composure. After being interrupted multiple times, she calmly but firmly said, “Please allow me to finish my thought.” She reclaimed the room without raising her voice or showing frustration. Later, she addressed the person privately about their behavior, ensuring accountability without escalating tension.
She taught me that taking my seat means owning my voice with intention, handling disrespect with composure, and ensuring every contribution I make has weight. Seeing her navigate spaces where confidence didn’t come at the cost of authenticity inspired me to do the same.
I also realized that my upbringing, while challenging at times, was a source of strength. From a young age, I witnessed resilience firsthand through my mother, who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Whenever life knocked her down, she got back up, determined to keep moving forward. Her example taught me that nothing worthwhile comes easy and instilled in me the importance of perseverance.
This lesson became a cornerstone of my journey, both in the corporate world and now as an entrepreneur. When challenges arise and they inevitably do. I’m reminded of my mother’s unwavering strength. She showed me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hard times but about staying true to yourself and pushing forward, even when the path feels impossible.
