We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Minza Stevens . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Minza below.
Minza, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?
In my experience as a woman of color in the workforce, one of the biggest issues I’ve encountered is the prevalence of toxic work cultures. This toxic environment often manifests in the form of individuals treating others poorly, whether it’s through throwing them under the bus to save themselves or providing no support or recognition for their contributions. Additionally, there’s a disturbing trend of underpaying professionals, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, despite their valuable degrees and qualifications.
Corporate America often fails to recognize the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and fairness. Instead, the focus tends to be solely on profit margins and maintaining hierarchical power structures.
I’ve personally experienced instances where colleagues have undermined my work or taken credit for my ideas, solely because of my race or gender. This not only damages morale but also perpetuates systemic inequalities within the industry.
Furthermore, the issue of underpayment is particularly disheartening. Despite investing time and money into obtaining relevant degrees and certifications, many professionals, especially those from underrepresented groups, find themselves struggling to make ends meet due to unequal pay practices.
These issues not only affect individual employees but also have broader implications for the industry as a whole. When talented professionals are undervalued and mistreated, it stifles innovation and creativity, ultimately hindering the industry’s potential for growth and progress.
It’s crucial for Corporate America to address these systemic issues head-on and prioritize creating inclusive and equitable work environments. By valuing diversity, providing fair compensation, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration, the industry can truly thrive and benefit from the diverse perspectives and talents of all its professionals.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hello, my name is Minza Stevens, and I am an IT project manager at a leading energy company. My role involves supporting all IT-related upgrade and data migration projects within the company.
My journey into this industry was not what I initially planned. As a young mother, I had aspirations of attending law school, but the demands of caring for my baby made it impossible for me to commit to the rigorous schedule required. Despite graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, I found it challenging to secure a well-paying job that aligned with my qualifications. Instead, I seized an opportunity to work for a corporation specializing in cybersecurity and Department of Defense (DOD) related projects. This decision led me to my current role as an IT project manager.
I want others to understand the importance of working hard while also recognizing their own value and setting standards for their worth. It’s essential to be proactive in pursuing opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations, even if they deviate from your original plans.
In my role, I oversee projects that play a crucial role in enhancing our company’s IT infrastructure and ensuring the seamless operation of our systems. I take pride in my ability to effectively manage complex projects, navigate challenges, and deliver results that exceed expectations.
What sets me apart is my unique blend of skills and experiences. While my educational background is in criminal justice, I have seamlessly transitioned into the field of IT project management. This diversity of expertise allows me to approach projects with a fresh perspective and contribute valuable insights to my team.
I am most proud of my ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic industry. My dedication to continuous learning and growth has enabled me to stay ahead of emerging technologies and trends, ensuring that I can deliver innovative solutions to our clients.
Potential clients and followers should know that I am committed to excellence in everything I do. I prioritize clear communication, collaboration, and delivering tangible results that drive success for both my team and our clients. My brand represents integrity, professionalism, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in IT project management.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Of course, I’d be happy to share a story that illustrates my resilience.
Early in my career, I encountered a significant setback when a project I had poured countless hours into faced unexpected challenges and ultimately fell short of expectations. Despite feeling discouraged, I refused to let this setback define me. Instead, I used it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
I took the time to reflect on what went wrong and identified areas for improvement. I sought feedback from colleagues and mentors, eager to gain insights that would help me better navigate similar challenges in the future.
With renewed determination, I approached each subsequent project with a newfound sense of resilience and adaptability. I embraced challenges as opportunities for growth and remained steadfast in my commitment to delivering exceptional results.
Through perseverance and unwavering determination, I was able to overcome obstacles and achieve success in subsequent projects. This experience taught me the importance of resilience in the face of adversity and reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance to drive personal and professional growth.
However there is a lesson about hardwork that needs to be learned.
Look at hardwork as a value added trait and to use is wisely and not tirelessly.
Working harder and not smarter and never letting those that don’t value you; to keep taking advantage of you.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that success is solely defined by traditional metrics such as job titles, salary, and societal expectations. The backstory behind this unlearning process is deeply personal and rooted in my upbringing and cultural background.
Growing up, I was taught to prioritize stability and security above all else. As a result, I pursued a career path that aligned with these values, striving for prestigious job titles and financial success. However, I soon realized that despite achieving these external markers of success, I felt unfulfilled and disconnected from my true passions and values.
Through introspection and self-discovery, I began to question the societal norms and expectations that had shaped my worldview. I realized that true success is not measured by external accolades, but rather by fulfillment, purpose, and alignment with one’s values.
This realization prompted a period of introspection and personal growth, during which I had to unlearn the ingrained beliefs and behaviors that no longer served me. I let go of the notion that success had to look a certain way and embraced a more holistic definition of success that encompassed personal fulfillment, meaningful relationships, and making a positive impact in the world.
Today, I prioritize authenticity, passion, and purpose in both my personal and professional endeavors. I’ve learned to trust my intuition and follow my heart, even if it means deviating from societal expectations. This journey of unlearning has been transformative, empowering me to live a life that is true to myself and aligned with my values.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Theecorporatemom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082973636817&mibextid=eQY6cl
- Twitter: https://x.com/minzaayaz?s=21&t=VcS3YyEq9Ttbm1LQvlmdWQ
Image Credits
Most of these images are me spending time with my son and family and traveling in between holidays and weekends