We were lucky to catch up with Daniella Uche-Oji recently and have shared our conversation below.

Daniella, appreciate you joining us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

Oftentimes, we find ourselves trapped in the confines of preconceived notions and stereotypes perpetuated by those responsible for crafting statistics. This practice, while seemingly innocuous, has had a profound impact on how individuals are perceived and, in turn, treated by various institutions and companies. I, for one, belong to two distinct demographics – African-American and Generation Z – both of which have been subject to their fair share of misconceptions and biases rooted in statistics.

Within our society, these perceptions have often been wielded as justification for overlooking, marginalizing, or even treating people unjustly. Statistics, unfortunately, have been weaponized to validate these actions. Personally, I’ve encountered instances where I felt the brunt of these biases, and it’s imperative to underscore just how inappropriate and damaging this can be.

The African-American/Black people narrative is all too common so I will not talk about that.

Take, for example, my generation, Generation Z. We are often painted with a broad brush, portrayed as a group of lazy individuals ill-equipped to navigate the challenges of the corporate world. It’s disheartening to witness such sweeping generalizations about our work ethic and resilience. In reality, many of us are not only willing but also capable of facing the rigors of professional life. However, these misconceptions, fueled by statistics, persist, resulting in missed opportunities and unwarranted barriers.

The overarching lesson here is that accommodating every demographic is not merely a matter of inclusivity but a necessity for a fair and just society. It’s about recognizing the inherent diversity within each group and not allowing statistics to define individuals. By doing so, we can dismantle the stereotypes that have been ingrained in our collective consciousness and ensure that each person is evaluated on their merits and abilities, rather than the statistics that may inaccurately represent them.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a designer and animator with a focus on 2D and 3D design as well as animation. My experience lies predominantly in the fields of sports, media, and technology. Currently, I lead a collective called Node, which I co-founded with my friend Jesse Obafemi. Within Node, we collaborate with a talented group of creatives and developers on web projects, often geared towards commercial and advertising purposes.

I have a strong passion for Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality design, and I regularly engage in projects in this exciting space.

Additionally, I’m working on a side project called “tintype,” a platform aimed at software creatives like myself. This platform is designed to facilitate collaboration, enhance productivity, and foster idea sharing within the industry.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Personal projects have been my secret weapon in building a solid reputation in my industry. They’ve let me show off my skills and expertise, without the usual restrictions. I get to be creative, keep learning, and collaborate with industry pros. These projects have earned me trust, helped me stand out, and made me a go-to expert in my field. They’re my way of saying, ‘I’m not just here to work; I’m here to make a mark.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Right now, we have done a lot of work based on referrals. This has worked well so far for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daniellauche-oji.com
• Instagram: @theoji_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellauchenduoji