What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most rewarding part of my job is getting to do something I love and make an impact. I get to incorporate culture and an appreciation for the differences and the similarities people have into my daily work, all in an effort to make things better for people. Sharing insights is a form of storytelling and to me that is who I am at my core. The most challenging part comes in remembering to take time to rest; when you love what you do, you tend to work a lot.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
When I began working in multicultural business strategy, Valeisha Butterfield Jones and Yolanda White were my two role models from afar. They were Black women and mothers who were also dominating in their careers in multicultural marketing and engagement spaces. Watching them make bold and brilliant positive change for companies by bringing in cultural perspectives and insights let me know I could do it too. I still follow both of them as they continue to make amazing and cutting-edge moves in their respective fields. They are both also very community oriented and use their platforms to build up other women and people of color. I want to do the same.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
I can name 100 things that would all make for a great read — there have been so many moments where working with this team has been a great professional and personal joy. So much of my life has prepared me for this role that the only single moment I could highlight would be accepting this role in the in the Multicultural Center of Expertise, as everything since has been a blessing.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I would tell my 21-year-old self that your degree in psychology will come in handy in every single job you have no matter what anyone tells you! Always follow your passion. I would also tell her that all the ways in which you are different will be the things that make you great. Don’t try so hard to fit in because that is not what you are meant to do.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
The leadership — I love how many brilliant people live and work here! I love that there are so many people who love this community and dedicate themselves to leaving it better than they found it. Dane County has a rich history of social justice warriors and community organizers. It’s great to see the legends I knew growing up still going strong and to see my friends become the leaders of today.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I hope this is less of a secret now, but I am a spoken word poet. I released a poetry album last year called “My Name Is Opal,” which can be downloaded and streamed on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, and all major streaming services. I touch on topics of social justice, resilience, poverty, domestic violence, race, hope, triumph, love, and more!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Before the quarantine, it was a venti hot chocolate at Starbucks. I was known to order them even on 90 degree days in the summer! Now I’d say Saturday night Zoom calls with a few of my best friends that go into the wee hours of the morning or binging on sci-fi Netflix shows with my daughter. Our current favorite is Black Lightning!
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