BlackWomenWork

Hi, Dorian! It’s so good to be able to speak with you. Can you share what you do and how would you describe it?

For seven years, I’ve strategized grassroots advocacy, civic engagement campaigns, and community outreach for organizations like the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and The American Institute of Architects (AIA). More simply, I mobilize people so they can communicate with elected officials on behalf of policies that will benefit their lives and livelihood. Recently, I transitioned from the nonprofit sector to the private sector to join the global government relations team of a long-standing Fortune 500 company.

My scope of work involves developing issue advocacy and messaging strategy for federal and state public policy issues, managing issue advocacy education, and collaborating with trade associations, coalitions and constituent legislators to optimize my employer’s political relationships and reputation.

Ideally, a “9 to 5” I would want to have is a place where I’m driven and challenged, and paid adequately, which is part of the reason why I switched sectors. I’m passionate about grassroots advocacy because it creates lasting change. Think about it — fair voting rights to #metoo is influenced by “boots on the ground” advocacy. Grassroots advocacy is everyday people starting a progressive, game-changing movement without the help or influence of lawmakers and billionaires. I enjoy constructing the strategy behind advocacy, public speaking, using social media, and planning events to spark action on issues that affect our everyday lives.

My day job has reignited my interest in elections, civic participation and global exchange. I’m enjoying the challenge and taking in as much information as I can. Does anyone else study for work?

When I’m not at my 9 to 5, I co-manage BlackWednesdays to shed light on police brutality and violence against people of color. It allows me to align my passion for advocacy with social justice. I’m also a member of the Junior League of Washington, a leadership organization for women that serves the community through volunteer service.

Can you share more on that part of what you do? Outside of your “9 to 5”?

My dear friend and fellow North-Carolinian Tracy Leatherberry developed the concept for Black Wednesdays about five years ago when Alton Sterling was shot dead at close range by two policemen Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The very next day, Philando Castile was pulled over and subsequently shot to death while driving in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. He was in the vehicle with his partner and daughter. That’s when Tracy announced that she would wear all black on Wednesdays to mourn victims of police brutality. She organized a community forum for advocates to discuss community policing and coping with trauma. I was so impressed by her efforts, and asked if I could help. She basically said “You’re good with Instagram and social media -- here are the passwords!”

Back in 2015 or 2016, we crowdsourced photos and featured followers wearing black but as ideas and objectives changed, we evolved. Not to mention, folks didn’t necessarily want their pictures posted publicly because of their jobs or other personal reasons. Now, we highlight a multitude of issues facing black and brown people like racial profiling, police brutality, hate crimes, maternal mortality, and gender-based violence. We also have a spotlight every Thursday that features black/minority-owned businesses.

I want @BlackWednesdays to be an authentic outlet for historically oppressed people to connect through shared struggle and witness what’s coming to the surface—that black and brown people are almost predisposed to fall victim to racial profiling. Our goal is to shed light on issues that don’t necessarily get primetime positioning. Based on the feedback we’ve received, it is safe to say we’ve achieved that goal. Black Wednesdays is truly grassroots. That’s what I love about it and I’m sure Tracy would say the same. It’s easy to feel muted when racial violence occurs and there’s no consequence. It’s a small way for us to challenge the status quo.

And what about Junior League?

Right, Junior League! I’ve been blessed with “go-getter” women in my circle for most of my adult life so joining the Junior League of Washington was a no-brainer. I love spaces created for women by women, because they’re typically very positive. You know—you’re my soror. (laughs) I was eager to challenge my perception of organizations like Junior League because membership was not always granted to women who look like me. However, I respect that JLW openly acknowledges its past and works to rectify it through diversity and inclusion programming. They do outstanding work around literacy in the D.C. metro area. And, actually, a lot of our sorors are members of JLW! JLW has been a worthwhile experience for me thus far because I can give back to the community and connect with impressive, well-rounded women that make D.C. such a vibrant place.

There are some common threads you’ve mentioned — women, community, race. When did you start recognizing a confluence of these threads in your life?

I saw my mom in a lot of volunteer and leadership positions growing up. She worked with the Salvation Army and Dress for Success in my hometown of Greensboro [North Carolina] to help formerly homeless women re-enter the workplace. To be honest, most of the powerful black women I grew up with were mothers, but their contributions didn’t end there. I know mothers who were writing PhD dissertations while waiting for basketball practice to finish or racing across town after court to teach SAT prep for free in a church kitchen. Matriarchs made it happen!

My parents always say, “Don’t read your own press clippings and pay it forward.” That’s why I am rooted in service. Regardless of my 9 to 5 or side hustle, I need to be able to contribute to the greater good of society, as lofty as that sounds. My parents will always be a source of inspiration because they are my number one fans.

Another great role model is my line sister Erica Ayala. We met in college through our sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. She is a fierce advocate for children’s rights and women in sports. Erica is a remarkable speaker, an effective leader, and she never makes excuses.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve gotten is to lift as you climb, and that’s what I plan to do.

Please share this post with a friend, and follow us at @BlackWomenWorkIG!