Before we can say goodbye, we have to take a moment to appreciate our experiences…
I can’t be the only one that feels like 2021 flew by! I have to say, it was an eventful year! There were plenty of ups and downs. All experiences help prepare us for what is ahead. This year, I will continue to seek joy in all things, and in that spirit, I am sharing 10 moments that outweighed the ugly in 2021!
BEN Scholarship
In 2020, I shared a proposal for Amazon to launch a scholarship for Black high school students pursuing a degree in STEM or supply chain, two areas that are fundamental to Amazon. In February 2021, Amazon launched the BEN Scholarship Program to assist high school seniors who plan to pursue a computer science or supply chain-related field of study and career. Recipients receive $5,000 per year for four years for college, plus a connection to industry mentors and peers from Amazon’s Black Employee Network (BEN). This not only provides students with support financially, but also provides them with someone that they can go to for advice for school and their career. Investment of time is equally important.
University of Washington Inclusive Product Management Summit
I kicked off the inaugural University of Washington Inclusive Product Management Summit with a presentation on why inclusion is critical in product management. If you know me, then you know I am extremely passionate about this subject. As product managers, we have to set the bar for what we deliver to the end customer. It is a responsibility that I gladly accept and want to encourage organizations to invest in building inclusive products. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to share my industry perspective.
BEN Rise Program
In 2019, I presented a proposal to former Amazon Consumer CEO, Jeff Wilke, for a leadership program for Black employees. He liked the idea and provided feedback on how to refine the program. In 2020, Andy Jassy, current CEO of Amazon, provided additional feedback and resources to launch the program. In April 2021, Amazon launched the BEN Rise Program, an eight month program that leverages the power of connection, coaching, and informal sponsorship to accelerate the success of future Black leaders at Amazon. This program is an example of listening to the needs of your community and delivering a solution that can scale.
Black Enterprise 40 Under 40
In 2021, Black Enterprise kicked off their inaugural 40 Under 40 Summit to celebrate and amplify the voices of Black millennials who are moving, shaking, and disrupting their industries. I was recognized by Black Enterprise for the work that I am doing at Amazon. I still feel so honored to be recognized by one of the most trusted media outlets for my community. In addition to being recognized I was selected to participate on a panel with Black entrepreneurs to discuss how Amazon can support Black businesses.
University of Washington Inclusive Product Management Accelerator
I continued my partnership with the University of Washington Product Management Center. In the fall I was asked to be a distinguished mentor for the new Inclusive Product Management Accelerator (IPMA), a free program for aspiring product managers. To date, three of my mentees have found new roles!
IPMA is a free, ten-week product management professional development program that broadens access to economic opportunity by bringing more diverse voices to the Product Management community who can inspire innovations that universally improve lives.
The goal of the cohort program is for mid-career professionals from historically marginalized communities to get hired into their first product management role. Learn more about the program and subscribe for updates here.
Colorado State University Distinguished Alumni Award
I was recognized by Colorado State University as the 2021 Distinguished Alumni of the Last Decade. The purpose of this award is to recognize a CSU graduate from the past 10 years for accomplishments made in the areas of career, service, and/or volunteer efforts that have brought honor to the individual and to the University. My CSU experience changed my life. I am so thankful for the university and the people that continue to speak life into me. You can view my acceptance speech here.
New Job, Who This
I’m in the cloud! I made the move to Amazon Web Services (AWS)! I am now a product lead on the AWS Industry Products team developing a new product/service. I’m excited to bring this idea to life! AWS Industry Products (formerly known as Outcome Driven Engineering; ODE) is a new AWS engineering organization chartered to build new AWS products by applying Amazon’s innovation mechanisms along with AWS digital technologies to real world industry problems. We dive deep with industry leaders to solve problems and unblock industries, enabling them to capitalize on new digital business models. Simply put, our goal is to use the skill and scale of AWS to make the benefits of a connected world achievable for all businesses.
I work in the Sustainability vertical where I am the product lead tasked with ideating/creating a new product/service offering within the sustainability space. I own early market development for new offerings, drive the product portfolio vision, and develop the product execution strategy.
Project Management Institute (PMI) Future 50
I was included in PMI’s Future 50 2021 list for elevating inclusion—for employees and customers—at the world’s largest e-tailer (Amazon). The chaos and uncertainty of a global pandemic didn’t deter this year’s Future 50—it inspired them to push forward on big ideas and bold initiatives to make the world a better place.
Future 50 project leaders represent rising generations of changemakers dedicated to forging a better tomorrow. The individuals celebrated here are leveraging new technologies, fighting disease and taking on climate change. They’re developing more sustainable sources of food and energy; building residential and commercial spaces with lasting benefits; accelerating efficiency; and unleashing new creativity across organizations and communities. Read my interview here.
Black Girl Magic Summit
I was honored with the opportunity to speak at the Boss Women Media Black Girl Magic Summit. The 2 day impactful summit focuses on career and business resources for women by providing upgraded opportunities for career advancement, financial resources, and business growth through powerful stories of women who are making tremendous impact! You can watch my session for free here.
Thirty & Thriving
I turned 30! Yay!! They say 30 is when your life begins. I have been fortunate to experience and accomplish many things before the age of 30. Every day that we get to wake up and experience life is a blessing. I am determined to make the most of each day and step into my purpose. I want to leave this world a better place. I want my legacy to be that I serviced others in each chapter of my life in accordance to His will. I am excited for what this next decade of life has in store for me. I know God has some amazing things for me to step into!
[Bonus Win] Generational Wealth
One of the first steps to building generational wealth is acquiring assets. I started the process to purchase my first home! The market is hectic but I remained faithful and had an amazing support system! I closed on my brand new home in February 2022! Making HERstory during Black History Month! I learned a lot and will share my lessons learned in a blog.