Picture this: You walk into a meeting early, ready to lead, only to find someone peering through the door, unsure if they’re in the right room. They’re looking for you, but there’s hesitation in their eyes—because they didn’t expect the leader to look like you. This is the reality for many Black professionals navigating corporate spaces, and it’s exactly the type of scenario that kicked off the powerful panel session at the BYP Network’s Career Fest, sponsored by Fitch Group: “Elevate Your Career: Integrating Advancement Strategies for Professional Growth and Success.”
Mellisa Cloquet, who delivered the opening remarks, set the stage by addressing the need for workplaces that not only tolerate but truly embrace diversity. From there, a dynamic panel of speakers shared their stories and strategies for overcoming career barriers, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities Black professionals face on their journey to success.
One recurring theme was the unique challenges faced by Black professionals, such as often being the only Black person in the room. Panelists shared personal stories about unconscious bias and how these experiences can serve as growth opportunities rather than barriers. They stressed that professional excellence alone isn’t enough to advance in your career—you must also build strong internal and external networks, maintain visibility, and actively advocate for your own career growth.
Veronica Dennis, Talent Acquisition Lead at Fitch, discussed how finding diverse talent is central to her role, while also sharing her own career journey. She highlighted the importance of gaining experience across different industries and sectors to build a versatile skill set. Faith Ruto, an executive coach, emphasized the need to take ownership of your career, sharing how she pursued an MBA and redefined her goals while managing family life. Mahari Hay, Director and Co-Chair of the Black Heritage Network, echoed this by reminding attendees that their personal stories and backgrounds are valuable assets that can be leveraged for professional and career advancement.
The speakers ended their contribution advice on navigating the workplace: be brave, take action, and network within your organization. Each speaker reinforced that no one else will champion your career unless you do. Being visible, vocal, and finding the right mentors and sponsors are all crucial steps to ensuring long-term success.
After that, attendees asked career advancement questions that the panelists helped them navigate. This session provided actionable insights for professionals looking to elevate their careers while maintaining integrity, emphasizing that personal and professional growth requires both courage and strategy.
