Culture. I never really thought about the culture and dynamics of the office I work in until today at the DIA. I saw an event being hosted for the Honigman group (law firm) which was predominantly white men. I then thought about the office I work in and realized how diverse it is in terms of race but they are all women. When I showed up I was the only black woman in the office which did not take me by surprise because it is similar to life at the University of Michigan. The ages vary quite a bit from newly graduated to 30 years experience in the nonprofit sector.
I tread the line of remaining kind and gentle but also being aggressive enough for the vicious nonprofit world. It is a tough balance that I am beginning to understand more but also find challenges with. The women in the office there serve as strong role models. They have shown me how to ask for what I want with a smile on my face and still gain respect. I feel myself growing.
