Facilitating Learning During Black History Month and All Year Long

This year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor.” 

Growing up, I often felt out of place because of my name. My sisters had names like Jennifer, Christine and Taylor, while I was named Asia. I heard many compliments about how unique and beautiful my name was, but I struggled to see it that way. Instead, I feared my name would reveal my identity as a Black woman before I even had the chance to speak. I worried it might affect opportunities, like job offers, it would be difficult for people to pronounce, and I’d be subject to ridicule by my peers. For years, this led to feelings of insecurity about my name and my identity.

As I navigated life, I found many of the perceptions I had of beauty, intelligence and worth were shaped by societal standards that often excluded people who looked like me. I admired traits in others that I felt I could never possess, features that seemed to be the standard of beauty, intelligence and success. This made it challenging to embrace my own strengths and contributions not only in the workforce, but in the world.

However, over time, I began to realize that my identity – my name, my heritage and my culture – was not a limitation but a source of strength. Learning to appreciate my own unique journey allowed me to understand the importance of representation and authenticity. My experiences shaped my perspective and helped me see that my identity as a Black woman is something to celebrate, not hide.

This shift in mindset has deeply influenced my career and is what led me to pursue my career in diversity, equity and inclusion, or what I like to call simply human interaction. Instead of seeing my background as something to overcome, I now view it as a source of resilience. It has given me the courage to speak up, embrace my individuality and champion diversity in the workplace. By sharing my story and staying true to who I am, I aim to inspire others to take pride in their own identities and recognize the value they bring to any space they occupy.

Simply put, my identity as a Jamaican-American woman is why I do what I do. Every contribution I make to society is due to my background. 

One of the most empowering moments I’ve experienced at LVHN has been the opportunity to facilitate learning through my passion for understanding the people around us. A significant turning point in my life was a conversation with a former teacher of mine who shared a powerful message with me when I was struggling. He told me that everyone is their own universe, composed of stars and planets –different facets of our identity and culture. Some planets orbit in harmony, some eclipse each other, and it’s up to each of us to explore our universe, understand how we interact with it and how we connect with others.

This insight deeply resonates with my work here at LVHN, where I’ve been able to take this love and curiosity for understanding the worlds within and around us to foster a more inclusive and reflective learning environment. It’s been a deeply empowering journey to share this perspective, encouraging others to explore the richness of their own identities while respecting the universes of those around them.