Ep 19 - How To Become A DEI Advocate With Diamond Rae

On this episode of #WorkinginTech, we're chatting with Diamond Rae, a dynamic professional celebrated for her exceptional interpersonal skills and remarkable career transition from aviation to tech. With over a decade of experience as a Flight Attendant at Delta Air Lines, Diamond honed her ability to deliver outstanding customer service and thrive in high-pressure situations. Leveraging her warm demeanor and adaptability, Diamond seamlessly transitioned into the role of DEI Recruiting Events Program Manager at HP, Inc. In this position, her knack for collaboration and meticulous event planning shines as she orchestrates successful initiatives, fostering inclusive environments, and driving organizational growth. With a marketing degree from Clark Atlanta University and an MBA from Walden University, Diamond combines her diverse skill set with a genuine passion for creating meaningful experiences and building strong relationships across industries. Today, Diamond will share her inspiring journey from the skies to the tech world, offering insights on navigating career transitions, leveraging transferable skills, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Get ready for an engaging discussion filled with valuable lessons and strategies for professional growth and success. 𝕏 CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIALS 𝕏 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juwonthetechie/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuwonTheTechie Threads: https://www.threads.net/@juwonthetechie IG: https://www.instagram.com/juwonthetechie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juwon-io/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@juwonthetechie CONNECT WITH DIAMOND LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diamondrae/ CHAPTERS 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Why Tech? 5:43 - Challenges 8:08 - Networking 13:45 - The Recruitment and DEI Ecosystem 18:10 - Getting into DEI Recruitment 23:10 - Top 3 Skills 27:30 - Finding Balance 30:45 - Mistakes Newbies Make 32:05 - Making Your Resume Speak 33:33 - Regrets and Mistakes 37:44 - Building Workplace Relationships 41:28 - Lessons Learned & Favourite Role 44:28 - Salary Progression 46:58 - Responsibilities of the Role 50:00 - Working with Multiple Stakeholders 51:20 - Misconceptions 56:00 - DEI and Getting Black People in Tech 1:03:50 - Final Words 1:04:28 - Conclusion