Diversity and inclusion are more than just words. At proSapient, we celebrate, support, and champion diversity and inclusion in all areas.
At proSapient, we are an equal-opportunity employer. We offer equal employment opportunities without regard to race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and other protected class characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Our Affinity groups are led by employees and promote a workplace that is diverse and inclusive. Currently, we have:
<aside> 💡 Hear from Kadijah Mathews our Associate Vice President, Business Development. She has dedicated a huge part of her academic and professional career to DEI involvement, support, and change. Starting in University, with creating student groups dedicated to support black athletes as well as creating ERGs for black professionals at her previous employer. We spoke to Kadijah to learn more about how she advocates for the Black community, both within and outside the workplace.
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Can you highlight a moment in your professional experience that made you realize the importance of representation and diversity?
When I started at my previous employer – there were affinity groups for every other demographic but nothing for black people and most other POC groups, so I took the initiative to start the PRISM (People Rising In Support of Multiculturalism) affinity group for African Americans. I started this affinity group shortly before the monumental George Floyd situation occurred. After the events leading up to his death, we organized a moment of silence for the entire company. This not only brought the company together, but it had a huge impact to create a safe space for black people.
Tell us about the initiatives that you have been involved in to support aspiring Black professionals.
I started the affinity group PRISM where I served as President + Co-founder and also took part in our mentorship program that focused on mentoring new joiners that identified as black and during my time in college I was the president and co-founder of the Student Athlete of Color Leadership Council.
Can you share any advice or words of wisdom for other young Black professionals who are just starting their careers?
Try not to strip yourself in any environment, because the minute you start that you create a habit of it and you start to lose yourself and who you really are and mold yourself into what you believe other ppl want you to show up as, especially in predominantly white or corporate environments. Also, have the conversations that need to be had, lean on someone with similar experiences as you, ask questions on how you can bring your whole self to work every day and always remember; you are enough, you are here for a reason, you deserve to be here!
Who has inspired you? Which other advocates should we be following?