Recently, our Black at Uber Employee Resource Group hosted our 2nd annual CEO Summit live from cities across the United States—a full day of talks and workshops featuring industry leaders on career development, financial literacy, and communal obligations. 300+ ERG members from across the US and virtually from Latin America and Europe attended to build community and knowledge on personal finance.
The all-day event featured talks and conversations with Uber’s CEO and a cross-section of Uber leaders and distinguished market makers, media personalities, and business leaders—broadening financial acumen, forging connections among global Black at Uber members, and giving direct access to Uber and industry senior leadership.
“Hearing the career journeys of multiple Black leaders was inspirational and valuable and I gained critical tips to support my own personal financial journey and professional development,” shares Marcoiya Fair, a member of Black at Uber and our Talent Acquisition team.
Below, attendees share key takeaways from each session and how you can apply them too.
Tony West, Chief Legal Officer, Camiel Iriving, US&C Rides RGM, Cassandra Johnson, Google’s Executive VP of Customer Care & Vendor Management, and Nathalie Sajous, Google’s Managing Director of Global Partnerships discussed the importance of negotiation and sponsorship.
“It’s important to know the benefit of having more than a mentor. It’s important to have a career sponsor. A sponsor will speak to you and your accomplishments in rooms that you are not a part of,” shared Cassandra.
Paisley Horn, Talent Acquisition“As a young Black woman who’s navigating her career, it was so encouraging to see and hear from other Black women that it is possible to achieve greatness by being yourself. It isn’t often I get to interact with folks outside of Uber on this topic and the panel dropped amazing gems that kept me glued in. I left with renewed confidence to advocate for myself, take the chance on the unthinkable, and a deeper understanding on how great mentorship can help pave the way to success.”
Julia Paige, Head of Global Social Impact and John Hope-Bryant, Operation Hope CEO discussed how the organization is making free enterprise capitalism work for the underserved.
“Don’t fight a problem if you don’t have a solution,” shared John.
Imani Aloway, Uber Freight“John Bryant said he saw his father as a businessman and his grandfather as a sharecropper, and they passed that entrepreneurial spirit down to him. Many African Americans were taught to get a stable job and work hard for someone else to get as wealthy as their parents did. But what would happen in our communities if we were taught to be business owners and build wealth we could pass down for generations? It’s time to start investing more in ourselves and our own ideas than we do in others.”
Earn Your Leisure Podcast hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings shared keys to navigating turbulent economic times and building wealth.
“What stood out to me the most was the difference between term life insurance and whole life insurance and how you can effectively use your life insurance while you’re still living. As someone with a child, it was helpful to learn the different types of investment options I can start for my toddler now and got me thinking proactively about what I can do now to secure a brighter future for myself and generations to come.”
Sheila Bell, Talent Acquisition
Sherina Maye Edwards, MasTec’s Chief Strategy Officer shared how she fearlessly seizes opportunities, navigates predominantly white male spaces, and creates opportunities for others.
“As you are climbing the corporate ladder, don’t forget to bring at least two more up with you,” shared Sherina.
Alesia Miles, Talent Acquisition“Far too often women are made to feel as though they have to choose between a career or a family. And, if the woman is Black, in a high paying career, and also has a family, she’s nonexistent. Sherina Maye proves that not only do these women exist, but that they are thriving. I’ve learned to keep pushing, ask for what I deserve and not to settle until I receive it. And, if I don’t receive it, then it’s time to move on. It was amazing to be seen and heard like this.”
Seth Wunder, Chief Investment Office of Acorns shared practical saving tools and how Acorns is helping minority business owners save and invest in their future.
“Start early and invest for the long term,” shared Seth.
Dajonay Stewart, Talent Acquisition“The biggest lesson I learned was to contribute a higher percentage of my income to stocks and savings so that in the future I will have to contribute less over time. I’m all in for giving myself a well deserved retirement. It made me look into what I contribute to my 401k and for the next employee stock opening.”
Learn more about our Black at Uber Employee Resource group and come join our team.
Posted by Philip Graumann