People have different perspectives on diversity. Some people think it’s all about race and gender, some people think it’s about a different ethnicity or sexual orientation. Actually, it includes all of that. I think it is really appreciating people’s differences, understanding that we all come with different social biases and different ways we think of how to do things.


For me to enjoy my job, I need to be able to show who I truly am. And so if I can bring my whole self to work, then I am going to be a very productive team member. You know, people talk about it being a very competitive advantage. That makes sense, but it is also the right thing to do. Diversity is a reality, and inclusion is a choice. So I think we obviously live in a really diverse world, so that is why it is so important to really understand that and appreciate it.


So when you talk about decision-making and who’s actually in the room making decisions, you are getting as many diverse opinions as possible. I think it is so important to see people who look like you at the top because, you know, that could be you one day. I’ve been very fortunate in picking schools and employers that understand the importance of not only diversity but also inclusion.


The inclusion component is how do you leverage those dimensions of difference to bring forth the business results you want, right? So it’s taking this box of 96 crayons and making the picture. You can definitely learn the skills, and I would say that you have to have those skills in order to be successful in the business environment these days. It’s not just the business skills or finance skills.


I would love to be in a leadership position where I can really influence, globally, leaders and peers and just everyone really at the company, so crossing my fingers.