On Wednesday, February 21, the Walker College of Business will celebrate Black History Month with a Courageous Conversation, Straight Talk on Navigating the Career Maze: Insights from Black Alumni.
Through this Q&A style event moderated by current App State students Amaya Crawford and JaVon Siddle, four panelists will share their experiences of navigating the job search and finding the right fit for their careers.
The panelists are Mariah Breeze ’16, Cashae Cook ’14, Kwani Taylor ’24, and Natazhia Lovett ’18. They will discuss challenges, opportunities and successes they have experienced and give insight on how to handle bias, navigate barriers, and identify inclusive workplaces.
A reception will follow the panel and feature catering by Black-owned, Alumni-owned, local business Big Brose's BBQ.
“Our Courageous Conversations create a space for meaningful dialogue about inclusivity,” said Meredith Pipes, Global & Civic Engagement Specialist in the Walker College.
Courageous Conversations is one of many ways App State is celebrating Black History Month and honoring the many important contributions that Black people have made to our institution, our community and our nation. See other the events: https://today.appstate.edu/black-history-month.
Panelists
SeniorSolutions Consultant
Genesys
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Never be afraid to ask the tough questions. The most senior person in the room often has conflicting priorities so your question may be greatly appreciated and valued.
What is the most important advice you would give to students of color setting out on their career path?
Build your network and use your network. Over 60% of the students in my grad program received their jobs via referral. Your time is better spent on LinkedIn reaching out to Alumni in spaces you want to be in vs. blindly applying to jobs.
How has your family history shaped you?
I was raised by a single mother then by a single father once my mother passed away at the age of 11. Understanding that nothing in life is promised but that anything is achievable, my family history has taught me how to make the most of opportunities and the value of being an independent thinker. Never let your surroundings limit your imagination and ability to reach for what you want. My interest, awareness and experiences as a black woman provide a different perspective when assessing and addressing complex problems.
Recruiter and Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Officer
Appalachian State University
How has your family history shaped you?
I spent my adolescent years at American Children’s Home, a foster care facility in Lexington, NC. Although that situation was challenging, I learned some invaluable things. I had to be in control of my own destiny, and not use the challenges I faced as defeat, but as encouragement to be the best that I could be. I am a first-generation college graduate and now focus my time on setting an example for my children and other young adults in my community.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Be in control of your own success, but to also leave yourself room to grow! I think as young adults, we feel as if we have to have it all figured out and be an expert right away. This can lead to taking on the world, sometimes leaving us feeling stuck when not accomplishing things at the rate we think that we should.
Senior Independent Testing Specialist
Wells Fargo
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Never give up. It’s easier said than done, but there is always something greater coming.
What is the most important advice you would give to students of color setting out on their career path?
Build as many connections as possible, and never stop going no matter how many doors may close. Be ready when the next door opens for you. The plan and the timeline may change; always remain patient and adaptable.
As a Black woman, what do you feel your unique experiences bring to the table in a professional setting?
A continuous growth mindset. To be able to nurture a growth mindset from every experience has been a huge benefit in my journey. I offer different viewpoints, problem-solving approaches, and enriched discussions with a broader understanding of corporate dynamics.
Who do you most admire?
My mother. She embodies qualities of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Her perseverance has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.
Master's Candidate, IOHRM
Appalachian State University
As a Black woman, what do you feel your unique experiences bring to the table in a professional setting?
As a Black woman, my experience of intersectionality has given me a unique perspective. Black women face gender and race discrimination. This experience of adversity has taught me to navigate diverse perspectives in a work setting and find innovative and creative solutions to challenging problems.
How has your family history shaped you?
I recently completed a family archival project where I was able to trace my family from the land they were given after slavery was abolished. As I followed the archives and went on an enlightening journey of belongingness and birthright, I began to understand that my feelings of not belonging were intentional. Those who burned slave records, left slaves names off the census, forced people to speak in an unfamiliar language and ripped families apart had a deep-rooted purpose. Knowing this brings liberation to the mind. As I walked those same lands where my people were enslaved, it gave me purpose, and direction, and a place to call home. No one can make me feel like I don't belong somewhere l earned.
Register Online
This event is free and open to the public. Some courses offer credit for attendance; check with your professors. The panel and reception will take place on the Boone Campus in the Plemmons Student Union, 4th Floor Parkway Ballroom.
Courageous Conversations is an initiative of the Walker College's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team, which advises the college on diversity and inclusiveness opportunities and challenges. Learn more business.appstate.edu.
