What like hardships or adversities,
 2
00:00:01.768 --> 00:00:04.771 like roadblocks did you face, like, getting to where you are?
 3
00:00:04.838 --> 00:00:07.741 As I started to become more successful in my career,
 4
00:00:07.741 --> 00:00:10.343 one of the things that I really struggled with that,
 5
00:00:10.343 --> 00:00:13.113 I now have a name for, which was imposter syndrome.
 6
00:00:13.113 --> 00:00:16.983 Any time I was sort of in a new, challenging environment,
 7
00:00:16.983 --> 00:00:21.087 I would have a voice in my head telling me that, I didn't belong there.
 8
00:00:21.221 --> 00:00:23.623 I wasn't smart enough. I hadn't done enough.
 9
00:00:23.623 --> 00:00:26.826 I hadn't achieved enough to earn a spot in that room.
 10
00:00:26.826 --> 00:00:31.826 So that underlying, like insecurity and that voice that I was an imposter
 11
00:00:32.032 --> 00:00:35.869 really lived in my head, for many, many years.
 12
00:00:35.869 --> 00:00:38.271 I actually had a manager one time.
 13
00:00:38.271 --> 00:00:39.739 He used to say,
 14
00:00:39.739 --> 00:00:43.143 you're the meanest person to you that you know because of that
 15
00:00:43.143 --> 00:00:47.147 internal voice and that self-talk about undermining my own
 16
00:00:48.281 --> 00:00:50.984 thoughts and undermining my own knowing.
 17
00:00:50.984 --> 00:00:53.987 And so it was a real journey to,
 18
00:00:54.254 --> 00:00:57.257 to get to the point where I got my mind right
 19
00:00:57.424 --> 00:01:00.927 and I could sort of release that sense of being an imposter.
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Seattle, WA USA.

Each day is different—some mornings I’m deep in game design or planning new features, and other times I’m building partnerships or launching esports pilots with schools. I get to lead a team that brings learning to life through Minecraft, helping students stay curious and joyful. In my role, I’m surrounded by kind, heart-forward people who share a mission to make a real impact.

Head of Minecraft Education

You don't belong here. You're not smart enough and you haven't done enough.

Doubt

Adversity

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

What adversities or like roadblocks did you face getting to where you are now?
 2
00:00:04.204 --> 00:00:06.673 So I was born in Egypt.
 3
00:00:06.673 --> 00:00:09.676 To a middle class family that was all about education.
 4
00:00:09.943 --> 00:00:12.579 We weren't wealthy, but we were very well educated.
 5
00:00:12.579 --> 00:00:17.450 However, I was born into one where my parents didn't see value in having girls.
 6
00:00:18.284 --> 00:00:20.587 So I was, kind of left behind
 7
00:00:20.587 --> 00:00:24.124 by my mom and dad because I came out a female, and left
 8
00:00:24.124 --> 00:00:28.228 to kind of the family to take care of me while they went off and did their thing.
 9
00:00:28.528 --> 00:00:31.931 That's why I went into medical school, because I had this thing where
 10
00:00:32.465 --> 00:00:34.501 I was always sad as a kid.
 11
00:00:34.501 --> 00:00:37.070 And I wanted to help make people feel better.
 12
00:00:37.070 --> 00:00:38.171 Make kids feel better.
 13
00:00:38.171 --> 00:00:42.142 So I went into medical school wanting to be a pediatrician, wanting to
 14
00:00:42.642 --> 00:00:45.278 help kids, but then I went into medical school,
 15
00:00:45.278 --> 00:00:46.246 and I realized this.
 16
00:00:46.246 --> 00:00:50.717 It wasn't designed the way I would have wanted a health care system
 17
00:00:50.717 --> 00:00:51.651 to be designed.
 18
00:00:51.651 --> 00:00:55.588 And I was like, you know, I want to fix the system, not just be another doctor.
 19
00:00:55.655 --> 00:01:00.655 So I left medicine, and when I did, I come from a family of all doctors and stuff.
 20
00:01:01.428 --> 00:01:04.431 So my parents disowned me for, like, three years
 21
00:01:04.564 --> 00:01:09.035 because I left the career that all of my cousins are in and stuff like that.
 22
00:01:09.202 --> 00:01:12.806 And then I got married and my marriage didn't work out, and I had to,
 23
00:01:12.806 --> 00:01:15.141 like, escape the country and, come back.
 24
00:01:15.141 --> 00:01:19.345 So adversity has been a core thread in my whole life.
 25
00:01:19.345 --> 00:01:21.915 It's not been something that's, like, new to me.
 26
00:01:21.915 --> 00:01:25.485 But I think landing in this space of diversity, equity, inclusion
 27
00:01:25.985 --> 00:01:30.985 is rooted in my history of pain and trauma in my youth, because I
 28
00:01:31.724 --> 00:01:35.695 look at diversity, equity, inclusion as healing corporate consciousness.
 29
00:01:36.563 --> 00:01:41.534 You know, to help people feel valued and seen and heard, no matter who they are
 30
00:01:41.534 --> 00:01:46.039 and what they are and what walk of life they came from is probably rooted in,
 31
00:01:46.206 --> 00:01:50.610 my origin story of feeling like I didn't matter because I was a girl.
 32
00:01:52.245 --> 00:01:53.813 I love that you-
 33
00:01:53.813 --> 00:01:56.182 you're really just, like, turned everything around from that.
 34
00:01:56.182 --> 00:01:58.118 And I really love what you were saying about, like,
 35
00:01:58.118 --> 00:01:59.619 wanting to help the kids and stuff like that.
 36
00:01:59.619 --> 00:02:01.721 Like I want to, like, make people smile.
 37
00:02:01.721 --> 00:02:03.156 That's why I wanted to be the child psychiatrist
 38
00:02:03.156 --> 00:02:06.292 or orthodontist because, like, giving them that, like
 39
00:02:07.560 --> 00:02:10.263 happiness, like it's I don't know, there's so much like darkness
 40
00:02:10.263 --> 00:02:11.698 going on in the world and stuff like that.
 41
00:02:11.698 --> 00:02:13.867 It's why not be a light, you know?
 42
00:02:13.867 --> 00:02:15.502 Why not not be a light. Exactly.
 43
00:02:15.502 --> 00:02:20.373 And we need more people like you like that who are taking whatever their life story
 44
00:02:20.373 --> 00:02:24.477 is, and not thinking that your life story is who you are.
 45
00:02:24.477 --> 00:02:26.412 It's just the story you're living.
 46
00:02:26.412 --> 00:02:29.916 And then how do you transform that into giving and into light?
 47
00:02:30.049 --> 00:02:33.052 And so I'm happy that you're on this journey.
 48
00:02:33.086 --> 00:02:33.786 Thank you, earlier
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Minneapolis, MN USA.
advanced-degree
career-change

Build your network. It's important to be a person of increase. When you meet someone, make sure they walk away with value from you. Don't just wait to network when you need something. The best way to make connections that will benefit you in the future is to make sure you're benefitting others and helping them too.

I was born in Egypt to a family that didn't see value in women. I was essentially left behind by my parents because I was born a girl. I was always sad as a child so I decided to pursue medical school so that I could help other children feel good.

Every day, I work to weave equity and inclusion into the fabric of our global company. I lead with heart, strategy, and urgency—whether I’m reviewing diversity metrics, shaping policy, or mentoring young talent. I collaborate with leaders to design inclusive systems and launch programs that open doors to education and careers. It’s about healing corporate culture so everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Foundation President & Global Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer

You're not worthy because you're not a doctor anymore.

Family

Negativity

Adversity Has Been A Core Thread In My Journey

So how did you get a job in the States after you moved here?
 2
00:00:02.869 --> 00:00:03.937 That's a great question.
 3
00:00:03.937 --> 00:00:04.971 Not easily.
 4
00:00:04.971 --> 00:00:07.941 When you grow up in a country, right, and you go to school there, that's where
 5
00:00:07.941 --> 00:00:11.244 all your connections are, your contacts, the people who know you.
 6
00:00:11.544 --> 00:00:15.215 And I moved to the states in my 30s and I literally knew nobody here.
 7
00:00:15.382 --> 00:00:19.552 And I spent two years applying for jobs, and nobody would interview me.
 8
00:00:19.552 --> 00:00:22.122 I wouldn't it was like a black hole here just going in.
 9
00:00:22.122 --> 00:00:25.125 So then I started contacting people who knew me
 10
00:00:25.125 --> 00:00:29.162 from when I worked back in Egypt I was like, I can't get any jobs here.
 11
00:00:29.162 --> 00:00:32.966 I'm, I'm, I'm applying, but I'm not seeming to fit anybody's bill.
 12
00:00:32.966 --> 00:00:33.800 What do I do?
 13
00:00:33.800 --> 00:00:38.471 So a friend who, knew me from a job we worked on, I said,
 14
00:00:38.471 --> 00:00:42.275 look, when I put my stuff through the HR channels, nobody interviews me.
 15
00:00:42.275 --> 00:00:43.510 Can you just put my resume
 16
00:00:43.510 --> 00:00:46.780 in front of somebody and see if, like, they'll interview me?
 17
00:00:46.780 --> 00:00:50.483 So there was a leader at Kaiser Permanente who needed somebody to do product
 18
00:00:50.483 --> 00:00:51.885 recalls and stuff like that.
 19
00:00:51.885 --> 00:00:54.921 And that job was literally four levels below
 20
00:00:54.921 --> 00:00:59.192 where I came to the States from, like I was a direct report of a CEO.
 21
00:00:59.259 --> 00:01:02.429 But I took the interview and I said, you know, I'm new to this country.
 22
00:01:02.429 --> 00:01:05.265 I don't have my, you know, Rolodex of contacts here.
 23
00:01:05.265 --> 00:01:06.733 And I'm willing to prove myself.
 24
00:01:06.733 --> 00:01:09.736 And I took an insane pay cut, just to join.
 25
00:01:09.869 --> 00:01:13.239 And then within 2 or 3 years, I kind of got back on track.
 26
00:01:13.239 --> 00:01:17.844 What I would tell people when they're transitioning is don't hold on so tightly
 27
00:01:18.078 --> 00:01:22.649 to where you were and what you're owed and what your education would allow you
 28
00:01:22.649 --> 00:01:26.619 to because different contexts require different things.
 29
00:01:26.719 --> 00:01:30.390 And if you're the common denominator, you will always succeed.
 30
00:01:30.390 --> 00:01:35.228 So I took the same person I was who overcame other tribulations,
 31
00:01:35.228 --> 00:01:38.465 and I applied myself, and I did the things that I normally do.
 32
00:01:38.598 --> 00:01:40.733 And within five years I was back on track.
 33
00:01:40.733 --> 00:01:45.733 So, taking steps back to step forward is an okay thing to do is what I would say.
 34
00:01:46.940 --> 00:01:50.977 And don't let your ego get in the way of knowing your value
 35
00:01:50.977 --> 00:01:55.348 and your long term play versus short term things that you get stuck on
 36
00:01:55.348 --> 00:01:57.083 and therefore you just stay stuck.
 

Struggling To Get A Job As An Immigrant

You know, when it comes to work-based challenges, I'm analyzing,
 2
00:00:02.936 --> 00:00:06.239 what's the problem and how do I solve it, and how can we reorient?
 3
00:00:06.239 --> 00:00:09.542 And I think the thing that caused me to change
 4
00:00:09.542 --> 00:00:14.381 the most was actually stepping back after the first part of my career,
 5
00:00:14.381 --> 00:00:16.416 [it] was entrepreneurial, all in career,
 6
00:00:16.416 --> 00:00:18.818 and at the same time try to be the kind of like wife and mom.
 7
00:00:18.818 --> 00:00:21.454 Like that was a challenge, but, you know, felt like I had it down.
 8
00:00:21.454 --> 00:00:25.792 But a few health challenges came into play that caused me to also step back.
 9
00:00:25.792 --> 00:00:29.629 And at first I felt like a failure, like, why can't I do all of these things?
 10
00:00:29.629 --> 00:00:33.700 And then I realized that that actually opened all these new doors for me
 11
00:00:33.700 --> 00:00:37.337 once I reframed my thinking, and I ended up then being in the
 12
00:00:37.337 --> 00:00:41.641 higher ed sector for almost a decade. And then that actually led me into venture
 13
00:00:41.641 --> 00:00:45.378 philanthropy, and where then I got to work with a bunch of social entrepreneurs
 14
00:00:45.378 --> 00:00:47.447 who were solving big problems around the globe.
 15
00:00:47.447 --> 00:00:49.749 And so my first was like resistance and like,
 16
00:00:49.749 --> 00:00:51.818 oh, I just thought I couldn't figure this out.
 17
00:00:51.818 --> 00:00:55.755 And instead I got like more of everything because our family is,
 18
00:00:55.955 --> 00:00:57.057 you know, very close.
 19
00:00:57.057 --> 00:01:00.260 And I got to have these new experiences yet in other sectors
 20
00:01:00.260 --> 00:01:01.861 that I wasn't really planning on.
 21
00:01:01.861 --> 00:01:04.898 And then that combination actually led to where I am now.
 22
00:01:04.898 --> 00:01:09.369 What is something you wish you knew when you were my age?
 23
00:01:09.636 --> 00:01:12.539 I wish I appreciated there were a lot of people around me
 24
00:01:12.539 --> 00:01:16.709 that I could reach out to for help along the way, and a lot of times
 25
00:01:16.709 --> 00:01:19.779 you go through really challenging times and you're like, I got this.
 26
00:01:19.779 --> 00:01:20.747 I'm strong.
 27
00:01:20.747 --> 00:01:24.217 And the reality is it's hard to go through some tough things and go through them
 28
00:01:24.217 --> 00:01:26.319 what feels like alone, or maybe with a few people
 29
00:01:26.319 --> 00:01:27.720 because you don't want to burden them,
 30
00:01:27.720 --> 00:01:31.658 but that actually a lot of people are there for you if you just reach out.
 31
00:01:31.891 --> 00:01:34.727 And I think there's this idea of being perfect or having it
 32
00:01:34.727 --> 00:01:38.531 together or not wanting to bother or burden someone,
 33
00:01:38.531 --> 00:01:42.869 and in fact, that actually creates stronger relations when you do reach out.
 34
00:01:42.869 --> 00:01:45.905 And then people reach out to you for help, and then that creates that cycle.
 35
00:01:45.905 --> 00:01:48.408 And I think I could have done more of that when I was your age.
 36
00:01:48.408 --> 00:01:51.444 I'm very appreciative for all the support I've gotten, but I realize I might have
 37
00:01:51.611 --> 00:01:53.046 not recognized that early on.
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Newton Centre, MA USA.
advanced-degree

Each day, I work with partners—from colleges to technologists—to remove barriers for students on their path from high school to career. I focus on digital innovation and systems change, but the most meaningful moments come when I see someone realize their own potential.

Overcoming Challenges

What's an example of an obstacle that you faced?
 2
00:00:02.102 --> 00:00:04.704 What steps did you take to address the problem?
 3
00:00:04.704 --> 00:00:07.774 And when do you decide to take calculated risks as an entrepreneur?
 4
00:00:08.141 --> 00:00:10.210 Okay, I'm gonna answer both of those questions.
 5
00:00:10.210 --> 00:00:12.412 The first one. We were on an upward turn.
 6
00:00:12.412 --> 00:00:17.412 I mean, we were growing as a company from 2012 through 2019,
 7
00:00:18.018 --> 00:00:21.221 you know, we're upward turned, growing and then Covid hit.
 8
00:00:21.454 --> 00:00:23.723 I have employees that are looking at me.
 9
00:00:23.723 --> 00:00:26.626 They have families that are looking at me and saying, hey, what are we going to do?
 10
00:00:26.626 --> 00:00:29.629 So what we did was we made a decision as a company
 11
00:00:29.662 --> 00:00:33.700 to make sure that we didn't fire anyone and we didn't let go anyone.
 12
00:00:33.900 --> 00:00:37.504 And I started going out there as people stayed at home.
 13
00:00:37.504 --> 00:00:41.007 I was still out there, and actually, construction was deemed essential
 14
00:00:41.007 --> 00:00:41.641 at the time.
 15
00:00:41.641 --> 00:00:45.712 Our volume and work actually cut in half, but we made sure I made sure
 16
00:00:45.712 --> 00:00:49.182 that I looked under every rock, called everybody that I needed to call
 17
00:00:49.349 --> 00:00:52.519 to make sure that, you know, we stayed viable during that time.
 18
00:00:52.519 --> 00:00:55.155 Did we make a profit? No, we didn't make a profit.
 19
00:00:55.155 --> 00:00:58.091 But I wanted to make sure that we worked to keep people employed.
 20
00:00:58.091 --> 00:00:59.325 As an entrepreneur,
 21
00:00:59.325 --> 00:01:01.895 these are all the things that I have to do and stay on top of.
 22
00:01:01.895 --> 00:01:04.030 So by nature I'm a risky type person, right?
 23
00:01:04.030 --> 00:01:04.964 I take risk, right.
 24
00:01:04.964 --> 00:01:08.068 So there's many opportunities out here that we come across every day.
 25
00:01:08.068 --> 00:01:11.771 When do I know to go after a bigger project than I ever done before?
 26
00:01:12.238 --> 00:01:15.542 That means okay, let me look at who I have in my wheelhouse
 27
00:01:15.542 --> 00:01:16.576 or who have in my office.
 28
00:01:16.576 --> 00:01:20.513 And if people have certain, background and experience that they've done work on
 29
00:01:20.513 --> 00:01:24.017 before that relates to that project, I utilize them.
 30
00:01:24.117 --> 00:01:26.686 And I make sure that we have a fair chance to win the project.
 31
00:01:26.686 --> 00:01:30.190 So I like to go after projects that are probably 80% winnable.
 32
00:01:30.290 --> 00:01:31.024 That's the most part.
 33
00:01:31.024 --> 00:01:35.361 I mean, sometimes I want to make sure that the owner recognizes that, hey,
 34
00:01:35.728 --> 00:01:37.297 I'm interested in your work.
 35
00:01:37.297 --> 00:01:38.731 So that's becomes the calculation
 36
00:01:38.731 --> 00:01:41.901 in my mind to say, okay, maybe I know I'm not going to win this first one,
 37
00:01:42.102 --> 00:01:45.238 but I know that this owner is going to see my name and recognize that
 38
00:01:45.271 --> 00:01:46.539 I want to work for them.
 

Every day, I tackle construction challenges as the founder and CEO of Corenic Construction Group. From building schools and office spaces to renovating major landmarks like the M&T Bank Stadium, my role is all about problem-solving and turning clients’ dreams into reality. I lead projects from start to finish, coordinating design and construction while also giving back to the communities we build in through food banks, school drives, and local nonprofit support.

President & CEO

Risk

Overcoming Obstacles As A Business Owner

I often find myself, in the tech field, feeling imposter syndrome
 2
00:00:04.504 --> 00:00:09.342 since I'm barely starting out and I feel like I have a lot yet to learn.
 3
00:00:09.509 --> 00:00:13.079 What advice would you give me in order to kind of
 4
00:00:13.079 --> 00:00:16.082 get rid of that feeling?
 5
00:00:16.249 --> 00:00:19.452 The advice I would give you is toughen up.
 6
00:00:21.254 --> 00:00:21.554 Okay.
 7
00:00:21.554 --> 00:00:23.390 Step out of your comfort zone.
 8
00:00:23.390 --> 00:00:25.458 That's the part we know you don't know anything.
 9
00:00:25.458 --> 00:00:27.727 And when I say we, I mean the professionals
 10
00:00:27.727 --> 00:00:29.496 in every industry, we get it.
 11
00:00:29.496 --> 00:00:32.665 And certain things you're not going to learn until after a certain point in time.
 12
00:00:33.299 --> 00:00:37.203 But go to these conferences, try to find more people and not just everybody.
 13
00:00:37.203 --> 00:00:37.771 Don't go shake
 14
00:00:37.771 --> 00:00:41.274 everybody's hand, because that's probably one of the worst things you can do,
 15
00:00:41.708 --> 00:00:43.777 because for one, you don't know who you're talking to.
 16
00:00:43.777 --> 00:00:45.211 Two, they may not know anything.
 17
00:00:45.211 --> 00:00:48.515 So for you specifically, there is a group called Women in Cyber.
 18
00:00:48.548 --> 00:00:50.650 You can find them on LinkedIn.
 19
00:00:50.650 --> 00:00:52.952 And there's also a group called Latinas in Cyber.
 20
00:00:52.952 --> 00:00:54.287 So you don't have to feel alone.
 21
00:00:54.287 --> 00:00:55.755 There are different groups
 22
00:00:55.755 --> 00:00:58.458 throughout every industry that will help you along your way.
 23
00:00:58.458 --> 00:01:00.160 But know your pattern.
 24
00:01:00.160 --> 00:01:03.163 Take the right things personally and finish what you start.
 25
00:01:03.263 --> 00:01:06.399 You have to know your pattern when you start feeling a certain way.
 26
00:01:06.933 --> 00:01:08.334 Why am I this way?
 27
00:01:08.334 --> 00:01:10.403 Are you afraid or you just don't know what's ahead of you?
 28
00:01:10.403 --> 00:01:11.538 It's two different things.
 29
00:01:11.538 --> 00:01:13.973 So my advice to you is toughen up.
 30
00:01:13.973 --> 00:01:15.642 Go to these conferences.
 31
00:01:15.642 --> 00:01:16.910 Know what you want to do
 32
00:01:17.911 --> 00:01:18.912 and do it.
 33
00:01:18.912 --> 00:01:21.214 There's no right or wrong at that point.
 34
00:01:21.214 --> 00:01:25.118 But once you figure out this is exactly what I want to do, this is perfect.
 35
00:01:25.485 --> 00:01:27.387 Then these people will start to show their self.
 36
00:01:27.387 --> 00:01:28.421 You start to recognize them.
 

2024 PGCO Roadtrip
advanced-degree
veteran
army

I help safeguard one of humanity’s greatest scientific tools—the Hubble Space Telescope. My job requires precision, collaboration, and adaptability. I work alongside experts who’ve dedicated decades to Hubble’s mission, ensuring its continued success. We analyze potential issues, follow strict protocols, and problem-solve in real time. There's no room for error—our work protects a telescope that has reshaped our understanding of the universe.

Sr. Cyber IT Security Engineer

Support & Encouragement

Advice For Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

What's been the biggest obstacle in your journey as an entrepreneur?
 2
00:00:03.436 --> 00:00:06.272 All right, so, the most challenging thing,
 3
00:00:06.272 --> 00:00:09.676 I think, is being a woman and also being a woman of color.
 4
00:00:09.676 --> 00:00:13.146 Because there are just certain hurdles that you have to jump through.
 5
00:00:13.146 --> 00:00:16.116 You have to work ten times as hard just to,
 6
00:00:16.116 --> 00:00:19.119 you know, accomplish the same things or make a certain amount of money
 7
00:00:19.119 --> 00:00:20.954 that your counterparts seem to be making.
 8
00:00:20.954 --> 00:00:24.190 And I definitely experienced that in the corporate design world.
 9
00:00:24.257 --> 00:00:26.626 Hence why I actually decided to leave.
 10
00:00:26.626 --> 00:00:28.928 I think my experience in corporate America
 11
00:00:28.928 --> 00:00:31.364 definitely encouraged me to start that journey.
 12
00:00:31.364 --> 00:00:35.935 I felt that as a young woman of color, it was very challenging, right?
 13
00:00:35.935 --> 00:00:38.438 So I'm beyond happy that I did.
 14
00:00:38.438 --> 00:00:43.343 I just feel that if you feel like a space is not designed for you,
 15
00:00:43.343 --> 00:00:45.678 or if you do not feel comfortable in a space,
 16
00:00:45.678 --> 00:00:48.548 it's okay to assess that and make pivots.
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00:00:49.049 --> 00:00:50.050 I think that's really important.
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00:00:50.050 --> 00:00:51.051 I don't feel like a person
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00:00:51.051 --> 00:00:54.054 should be forced to be in an environment in which they don't want to be.
 

I'd recommend looking into internships in fashion and shoe design. There is a lot of technical knowledge to be learned. Look into internships in both retail spaces and design firms.

As a woman of color, you have to work 10 times as hard just to accomplish the same things or make the same amount of money as your peers. I experienced this most in the corporate design world, which pushed me to leave and create my own design space.

Most days, I’m in my lab running Thread and Sole, a sneaker and apparel customization space. I wear all the hats: handling finances, managing the store, and designing new products. I also spend time teaching others. I love seeing people light up as they learn a new skill, express themselves, and create something unique. This space is about more than sneakers—it’s about growth, confidence, and creativity. When things get overwhelming, I step outside, take a breath, and start fresh the next day.

Owner & Designer

Only one of you is going to succeed in fashion design.

Overcoming Hurdles By Pivoting To A New Environment

Throughout your life, career or life,
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00:00:02.235 --> 00:00:05.839 what challenges have you faced and how do you overcome it?
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00:00:05.905 --> 00:00:10.905 The biggest challenge first that I face is covert racism.
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00:00:11.044 --> 00:00:13.346 And I ran into that a lot.
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00:00:13.346 --> 00:00:16.883 And that's kind of held me back where there's a times I'm like, man,
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00:00:16.916 --> 00:00:18.918 why I didn't get that job when I went to the interview?
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00:00:18.918 --> 00:00:20.320 I know I was qualified.
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00:00:20.320 --> 00:00:21.421 Those are some challenges.
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00:00:21.421 --> 00:00:25.625 Other challenges I faced was just myself, when I was working in
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00:00:25.625 --> 00:00:29.863 financial institutions, most of the people who were working there had degrees.
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00:00:29.929 --> 00:00:30.897 They were MBAs.
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00:00:30.897 --> 00:00:32.132 They were CPAs.
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00:00:32.132 --> 00:00:34.100 They were certified financial analysts.
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00:00:34.100 --> 00:00:35.568 And I had a sociology degree.
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00:00:35.568 --> 00:00:37.504 And they're like, what is he doing in finance?
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00:00:37.504 --> 00:00:40.507 So at first I felt a little bit inferior.
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00:00:40.507 --> 00:00:44.511 As I gained experience and actually learned how to produce a good product,
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00:00:44.577 --> 00:00:47.647 I realized I overcame that fear that
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00:00:47.647 --> 00:00:50.984 sometimes these people had a better opinion than me.
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00:00:50.984 --> 00:00:52.819 But confidence is so important.
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00:00:52.819 --> 00:00:56.122 And that's one thing I've learned when I got into the financial world
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00:00:56.523 --> 00:00:57.657 to be more confident.
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00:00:57.657 --> 00:01:01.461 But in order to be confident, what builds confidence is really getting
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00:01:01.461 --> 00:01:04.364 the foundation. I went back and took those classes.
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00:01:04.364 --> 00:01:06.332 I went did those special projects
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00:01:06.332 --> 00:01:10.170 that nobody else wanted to do, and it gave me the experience.
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00:01:10.170 --> 00:01:14.407 It gave me, the track and the knowledge to be able to feel more confident
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00:01:14.674 --> 00:01:16.843 and approach some of those barriers that were ahead of me.
 

One of the bigger struggles I've encountered in my career is racial discrimination. I've been left wondering why I wasn't selected for a position despite being qualified. It's held me back at times but I stayed motivated and found success regardless.

Every day, I work to break down the barriers that keep people from financial freedom. As the president of LIFE, a nonprofit for financial literacy, I teach workshops in schools, churches, and community centers. I give people real, practical tools to manage money wisely. It’s not just about numbers. It’s about changing mindsets, challenging a system that holds people back, and making financial knowledge accessible.

President

I need to get an advanced degree in order to compete with my peers.

Adversity

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

Allison Matthews

637 videos on Adversity: