We were lucky to catch up with Layla Ramirez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Layla, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity stems both from my faith as a Christian and from deeply ingrained family values. As the daughter of two parents who are both the youngest of 12 in their families, examples of generosity from my parents and siblings to aunts and uncles to grandparents and cousins were always abundant. Generosity was modeled and expected of each and every one of us not only within our family but also extending beyond our families to neighbors, friends, friends who were more like family, and of course even when it came to a random person one might come across in their day to day. In many instances it takes little effort to be generous. It makes me feel great to impact the lives of other people by being generous and it feel aligned with who I am called to be as a child of God.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) practitioner in the tech industry on a mission to operationalize, integrate and continuously improve the DEIB strategy of any company I am fortunate to work with, with a particular focus on driving results and real impact throughout the company’s workforce, workplace, and marketplace.
I have held positions across a wide spectrum of organizations including Justworks, Amazon Web Services, Netflix, Danaher Corporation and Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). Prior to launching my career as a DEIB practitioner, I spent several years as an Analyst in the Global Wealth & Investment Management division at Merrill Lynch.
I hold a B.A. degree in Economics from Smith College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. I am passionate about leadership, equity, college access, coaching and ultimately enabling others to be the best version of themselves.
I proudly identify as an Afro-Latina with Dominican roots, who was born and raised in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City and spent her formative years in Boston, MA. I am both a first-generation college graduate and first-generation business school graduate, and I was the first in my family to start my career in Corporate America.
In my free time I enjoy coaching, mentoring and telling the stories of under-recognized young professionals and executives. In 2022 I founded and became the CEO of The FirstOnes Collective, LLC, a firm dedicated to cultivating and nurturing the voices and dreams of First-Generation Professionals, so that they can reach their potential.
I am based in Brooklyn, NY, and live with my partner Michael G. Cox, who is a loving father to my lovely bonus children Peyton A. Cox and Roosevelt A. Cox.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
- Self-awareness: Looking back, self-awareness played a crucial role in my journey. Understanding my strengths, weaknesses, values, and emotions allowed me to make informed decisions and navigate challenges more effectively. It provided a foundation for personal growth and resilience.
Advice: Begin by regularly reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Embrace feedback from others, as it offers valuable insights. Engage in activities like journaling, meditation, or seeking mentorship to deepen your self-awareness. Be open to self-discovery and committed to continuous personal reflection.
- Self-love:
Cultivating self-love was transformative. Accepting and appreciating myself fueled confidence and a positive mindset. It allowed me to bounce back from setbacks, celebrate successes, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Advice: Practice self-compassion and challenge negative self-talk. Identify and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Prioritize self-care routines, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or simply taking time for yourself. Surround yourself with supportive relationships that uplift and encourage self-love.
- Curiosity and Resourcefulness:
The ability to stay curious and resourceful opened doors to new opportunities and solutions. It fueled a desire to learn, adapt, and find creative approaches to challenges. This mindset proved invaluable in a rapidly changing environment.
Advice: Foster curiosity by asking questions and seeking knowledge in diverse areas. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Develop a proactive mindset – be resourceful in seeking solutions, whether through networking, research, or seeking advice from experienced individuals. Stay open-minded and adaptable in the face of uncertainty.
In summary, developing self-awareness, practicing self-love, and nurturing curiosity and resourcefulness are key elements in any journey. The advice for those starting their journey is to embrace these qualities intentionally, be patient with the process, and prioritize continuous self-improvement.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth has been navigating and thriving amidst extreme change and ambiguity. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for innovation and personal development. Each challenge became a stepping stone, propelling me forward rather than holding me back.
In the face of constant change, I discovered the strength within me to adapt, pivot, and find creative solutions. I cultivated resilience, transforming moments of ambiguity into platforms for self-discovery and growth. This journey has taught me that the more adaptable and open-minded we become, the more we can harness the power within ourselves to not only survive but to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of life and work.
So, my biggest revelation has been realizing that, in the dance of change and ambiguity, we have the chance to choreograph our steps and create a narrative of resilience, courage, and continual self-improvement. The journey is unpredictable, but the growth lies in our ability to navigate it with unwavering determination and a belief in our own capacity for greatness.
Contact Info:
- Website: laylaaramirez.com
- Instagram: laylavision
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laylavision/
