Figuring Out Your 20s: Navigating the Corporate World as a Black Woman
“Being a minority in the workplace is about finding and owning your voice, educating those around you, and pushing for change based on the battles you choose to fight.” - Tracy Noze
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Despite jokes and memes coming out of the “Black jobs” comment from last week’s presidential debate, unfortunately, many of us, including myself, are minorities in our industries and workplaces and don’t have the luxury of being around others like us.
Transitioning into working full-time, I’ve had to maneuver through the corporate world as a Black woman and minority. It’s been no easy feat, and the stories are endless.
As the only Black person in a lot of the rooms I’m in, I usually stand out. I’m constantly feeling like the automatic representation of my race and feeling the need to dispel all stereotypes.
For example, a former manager of mine constantly commented on my hair. Naturally, as most Black women do, I continually switched between straight hair, protective styles, and my natural hair. I would hear, “Oh, you changed your hair again.” I would brush it off, but after a while, it became annoying. I informed this manager that I like to change my hair around and that I would prefer it if I don’t always get a comment on it.
Then, I had the experience of being called the only other Black woman in a meeting’s name in a meeting that I led weekly. I ignored it and had a meltdown afterward because there was so much I could’ve said but didn’t.
I can’t forget moments when I was being interrupted and spoken over or ignored in the office or a professional social setting but did not act bothered by it so as not to appear overly sensitive.
I constantly pick my battles and determine what is worth speaking up about. Amidst the challenges, I’ve communicated better with mentors and other Black professional women. I need a space to express myself and get guidance for progress. Conversations with my current manager have helped me better educate people and demand more respect, especially when being played.
I’ve accepted that I am only one person and not a representative for every Black woman or minority in the workplace, and that has been freeing. Being a minority in the workplace is about finding and owning your voice, educating those around you, and pushing for change based on the battles you choose to fight.
Tracy Noze is a Seattle-based journalist.
Edited by Nykeya Woods