Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, I was taught that having a strong work ethic would put me on the right path to becoming a leader. What I did not expect were the many racial and gender barriers I would have to overcome as a Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) woman leader. Some of these challenges still exist today and I am often praised for my resiliency. However, resilience can lead to mental and physical exhaustion for people who have been historically marginalized. To remain empowered, I needed to build a community of BIPOC colleagues and allies and seek mentorship to sustain my growth as a leader.
I did not always fully understand the importance of having a community of my colleagues to help with my growth as a leader until my graduate school professors encouraged me to join my local SPTA. I took on SPTA leadership roles that opened doors for me to learn how to be a leader in psychology. Still, I was struggling to obtain leadership opportunities in other areas of my work as a public servant. Attempts to challenge inequality only created further divisiveness and hostile work environments. As a BIPOC woman seeking leadership roles, I was ignored, overlooked, dismissed and criticized for voicing my thoughts. I became anxious in different spaces, often worrying about feeling included. The mass mobilization against systemic racism in the post COVID era forced organizations to confront racial and social inequities. I began having difficult conversations with colleagues about my experiences with microaggressions that created leadership barriers for me. I felt more confident in pursuing leadership roles and found allies along the way. My journey was not just about overcoming hurdles but using them as opportunities for discovery and growth.
The way I experience the world as a multiracial immigrant continues to influence the way I lead others. This goes beyond my experiences of colonialism, historic marginalization and oppression. Through my own diasporic lens, I build connections, recognize the value of others and model authenticity. Being a BIPOC woman in leadership is transformative and courageous but I have learned the importance of prioritizing my own well-being to sustain myself in the work I do. BIPOC women leaders deserve to embrace their power and have the right to self-preservation. Community and mentorship are critical to dealing with ongoing challenges. Therefore, in each of our spaces, let us continue to advocate for equity and inclusion of our BIPOC women leaders.