We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Vanessa Mejia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Mejia below.
Alright, Dr. Mejia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
Growing up, I always knew that my parents were special. They were hardworking, determined, and always put their family first. But it wasn’t until I was older and reflecting on my own life and career that I truly realized just how much they had done right and how their actions had impacted me.
One of the biggest things my parents did right was making the decision to move back to the United States from the Dominican Republic when I was 16 years old. They saw the limited opportunities available for me in our home country and knew that if I wanted to have a chance at a better future, it would have to be in the US. This decision wasn’t easy for them. They left behind family, friends, and a comfortable life, all for the sake of giving me and my siblings a chance at a better life. This sacrifice alone has had a huge impact on me. It showed me the power of selflessness and putting others before yourself.
But the impact of their decision didn’t stop there. Moving back to the US at 16 was a huge culture shock for me. I had to readjust to a new language, new school system, and a new way of life as a teenager. It was tough, but my parents never let me give up. They constantly encouraged me to work harder and never settle for less than my best. And that’s exactly what I did. I worked my way through high school, college, and eventually graduate school. Their constant support and belief in me gave me the drive and determination to achieve my goals.
My parents also taught me the importance of integrity. They always told me to never sacrifice my values or morals for success. This lesson has stayed with me throughout my entire life and has guided me in both my personal and professional decisions. I am grateful to have parents who not only talk about integrity but also lead by example in their own businesses.
Speaking of their businesses, my parents have also instilled in me the value of education. My dad is an engineer and my mom is a cosmetologist. They both started their own businesses and worked tirelessly to provide for our family. But they always stressed the importance of education and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They taught me that education is the key to opening doors and creating opportunities for yourself.
Looking back, I can see how every decision my parents made, every lesson they taught, and every sacrifice they made has shaped who I am today. They have shown me that with hard work, determination, and a strong moral compass, I can achieve anything I set my mind to. And for that, I am forever grateful. I will continue to carry their values and teachings with me throughout my life and career, always striving to make them proud.
Dr. Mejia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My journey in this field began when I was a teenager, volunteering at a local community center that provided after-school programs for at-risk youth. I was drawn to the powerful impact that these programs had on the lives of young people, and knew that I wanted to make a difference. I just didn’t know how. From undergrad, I pursued a graduate degree in Public Health, and eventually went on to earn my PhD in Behavioral Health. I have been fortunate enough to work with a diverse range of clients and organizations, and have gained extensive experience in developing evidence-based programs and strategies to address health disparities and promote adolescent health. At my consulting firm, I provide a range of services, including program planning and evaluation, organizational development, grant writing, and training and technical assistance. I work with clients to identify their needs and goals, and then develop customized solutions to address them. One of the things that sets me apart from others in my field is my unique combination of experience in both academia and community-based work. This has allowed me to bring a strong theoretical and evidence-based approach to my work, while also understanding the practicalities and realities of working in the community. I am also multilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese which has been invaluable in my work with diverse populations. What sets me apart from others in my field is my unique combination of experience and expertise in both public health and organizational management. This allows me to not only create effective programs and interventions, but also to work closely with organizations to help them build capacity and achieve their mission. I am committed to promoting equity and social justice in all of my work, and I strive to ensure that my clients’ programs and services are inclusive and accessible to all members of the community. I am also proud to have a strong focus on equity and inclusion in my work, ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. I am most proud of the impact that my work has had on the lives of young people and their families. I have seen firsthand how my programs and initiatives have helped improve health outcomes, build resilience, and empower young people to reach their full potential. I am also proud of the relationships I have built with community leaders, organizations, and fellow advocates, who share my passion for creating a better future for our youth. If there is one thing I want potential clients and followers to know about me and my work, it is that I am dedicated to creating sustainable change and promoting health equity for people of color. I am most proud of the impact that my work has had on the lives of youth and families in under-resourced communities. Through my collaborations with nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies, I have been able to help create and expand programs that provide vital resources and support to those who need it most. Overall, I want potential clients and followers to know that I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals, youth, and families. My passion for social justice and equity, combined with my expertise and experience, allows me to provide effective and innovative solutions for organizations and companies looking to make a difference in their communities. I am committed to continuous learning and growth, and I am constantly seeking out new opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills in order to better serve those in need. I am excited to continue making a difference through my work and am always open to new collaborations and partnerships. My work is not just a job, it is my passion and my purpose, and I am committed to making a positive impact in any way that I can. I am constantly learning, growing, and striving to do better for the youth that I serve and the organizations that work directly with them to create positive social factors and access to better opportunities.. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my brand, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the world through my work.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to maintaining high morale. As a small business owner or creative, it is important to keep your team motivated and inspired in order to achieve success. One of the key aspects of managing a team is to lead by example. Set a positive tone and attitude in the workplace, and your team will follow suit. Show them that you are dedicated, hard-working, and passionate about your work. This will not only motivate your team, but it will also create a positive and productive work environment.
Communication is also crucial in maintaining high morale. Make sure to have open and honest communication with your team. Listen to their ideas, concerns, and feedback. This will make them feel valued and heard, which will in turn boost their morale. Additionally, provide regular feedback to your team members. Acknowledge their hard work and achievements, and offer constructive criticism when needed. This will not only help them improve, but it will also show that you care about their growth and development.
Another important aspect of managing a team is to foster a sense of collaboration and teamwork. Encourage your team members to work together and support each other. This will not only improve the quality of work, but it will also create a strong bond among team members. Organizing team-building activities and events can also help in promoting a sense of camaraderie and boosting morale.
In order to maintain high morale, it is also important to recognize the individual strengths and weaknesses of your team members. Assign tasks and projects based on their skills and interests, and provide opportunities for them to learn and grow. This will not only make them feel valued and motivated, but it will also lead to better results for your business.
Finally, it is important to be understanding and empathetic towards your team members. Everyone goes through ups and downs, and it is important to be supportive during difficult times. Show compassion and offer support when needed, and your team will feel more connected and motivated to work towards the common goal.
In conclusion, managing a team and maintaining high morale is all about creating a positive, collaborative, and supportive work environment. Lead by example, communicate openly, foster teamwork, recognize individual strengths, and be understanding and empathetic. By implementing these strategies, you can create a strong and motivated team that will help your business thrive.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
As a Black entrepreneur and manager, I have always sought out resources that reflect my experiences and perspectives. One book that has significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking is ‘The Souls of Black Folk’ by W.E.B. Du Bois. In this book, Du Bois explores the concept of double consciousness, the idea that Black individuals have to navigate both their own identities and the expectations of a white-dominated society. This concept has resonated with me in my journey as a leader, constantly balancing my own identity and cultural values with the expectations and norms of the business world.
Another impactful book is ‘The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap’ by Mehrsa Baradaran. This book explores the history of Black-owned banks and their role in addressing the racial wealth gap in America. As a manager, this book has taught me the importance of building and supporting Black-owned businesses and investing in communities of color. It has also inspired me to seek out partnerships with Black-owned banks and financial institutions to support economic empowerment within my own company.
In terms of videos, one that has greatly influenced my management philosophy is a TED Talk by Mellody Hobson, ‘Color Blind or Color Brave?’. In this talk, Hobson speaks about the importance of addressing race and diversity in the workplace and how it can lead to better decision-making and innovation. As a manager, this has reinforced the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and actively addressing issues of race and discrimination.
In terms of essays, I have found ‘The Case for Reparations’ by Ta-Nehisi Coates to be a thought-provoking and eye-opening piece. Coates delves into the history of systemic racism and the lasting effects it has had on the Black community, making a compelling argument for reparations. This essay has challenged me to think critically about the role of privilege and systemic oppression in the business world and how I can use my platform as a manager to advocate for change and equality.
Lastly, the book ‘The Mis-Education of the Negro’ by Carter G. Woodson has had a profound impact on my entrepreneurial thinking. Woodson critiques the education system for perpetuating a Eurocentric worldview and neglecting the history and contributions of Black people. As an entrepreneur, this book has encouraged me to challenge traditional notions of success and create businesses that uplift and empower marginalized communities.
Overall, these resources by Black authors have shaped my management and entrepreneurial thinking by highlighting the unique challenges and perspectives of being a Black leader in a predominantly white business world. They have also inspired me to incorporate principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in my leadership style and business practices.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drvanessamejia.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessajmejiaphd/