A Journey From Intern to DEI Advocate
- July 30, 2024
My NTT DATA journey is an adventure to remember.
I work in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) under the guidance of Terri Hatcher, supporting our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) from an operational standpoint, manage event calendars and keep our internal and external DEI sites fresh. Plus, I run our Inclusion Intelligence Certification Program, managing the bronze, silver, and gold certifications.
In short, I am involved with a plethora of DEI efforts, assisting with everything our department has to offer.
Moving from my background in business management to a technology company was a big change for me. Initially, I was shy and a little hesitant to share my perspective, but the uplifting and nurturing environment at NTT DATA encouraged me to open up and be myself. The support from my colleagues has been instrumental in my growth.
One project that stands out for me was working on the DEI Annual Update 2024, where I collected quotes and ensured that the ERG sites were up to date with the latest events, pictures, and mission statements. I also assisted in developing SharePoint pages and ERG identifiers for various groups, like the Asian Pacific Islander ERG.
Internship at NTT DATA
My journey began with a passion for basketball, which led to a scholarship at Paul Quinn College in South Dallas, Texas. When COVID-19 disrupted my basketball scholarship, I joined the college's work program, partnering with companies like NTT DATA. This opportunity allowed me to explore different career paths and eventually led me to an HR internship in the company.
During my time as an intern, I worked in HR operations, leadership development, and finally, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each role provided its own experiences and challenges, but the supportive culture at NTT DATA kept me going.
As an intern in DEI, I noticed that none of the students from Paul Quinn were transitioning into positions. I brought this to my manager’s attention to find the disconnect, as I aspired to be a NTT DATA team member after college. With the support of various team members and input from myself and other interns, we developed the Career Pathways Program. This initiative has been instrumental in improving our internship program and providing better opportunities for students.
The most rewarding aspect was seeing my work highlighted in the DEI Annual Update. Being recognized by our global company with countless employees doing important work was humbling and reassuring. It made me realize that I'm on the right track and motivated me to continue striving for excellence.
NTT DATA's culture is warm, nurturing, accepting and challenging. I say challenging because we push each other to improve. The ability to use our different perspectives to create something beautiful is incredible. Looking ahead, I'm excited about pursuing project management training. Our leaders have emphasized its importance for both organizational and personal development. Although I haven't had the opportunity to undertake this training yet, I plan to do so soon.
Outside of work, I'm a big basketball fan and enjoy playing and watching the sport. I have a one-year-old dog named Biscuit, who helps me unwind and balance work stress. I also love playing Pokémon on my Nintendo.
Integrating work and personal life was initially difficult. However, I've improved my routine by setting boundaries, taking breaks, and spending quality time with Biscuit. All in all, the nurturing environment, coupled with the opportunities I’ve had, has made my experience at NTT DATA rewarding and fulfilling.
Being yourself and bringing your unique perspective to the table can lead to incredible outcomes, and NTT DATA is a place where diversity truly thrives.
Subscribe to our blog