We recently connected with Tahira Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tahira, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
To answer this candidly, first, I must explain my career and entrepreneurial background. I founded my baking company, SweeteeCakes as a side hustle during the pandemic when work was slow and people seemed to need accessible joy which desserts can often provide. In my day-to-day routine however, I was working a full time job and going to school to finish my masters degree. After the pandemic I also started a women’s network called The Glow Network. The “GLOW” standing for ‘the Guiding Light of Women.” Through its emergence I found purpose. In my career I am the only black and only female IT Director in my organization. My job is to run the automation, Innovation, and data engineering department for a health plan in the Inland Empire. Naturally, I am the only one in the room that looks like me almost every day. It started with a lot of imposter syndrome, but the events that occurred over the course of the past 3 years have taught me to”just do the work,” which is something I tell myself every day. I started out being disliked, opposed, and challenged at every turn. When I realized that as long as I ask other people for permission to do what I’ve already been assigned to do their answer will always be a very loud and emphatic NO! So one day, that feeling of being alone in the room is what actually drove me to realize I might be alone and that’s okay. I don’t need anyone’s permission to be there because I earned my role. The Glow Network is my outward expression of togetherness for women in business and entrepreneurship who I thought could relate to my journey, my struggles, and we could all feel less alone.
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?
My baking company, which is the only LLC at the moment is SweeteeCakes and we are slowly growing and finding our way. We now bake when time permits and we take on very few clients. SweeteeCakes also careers every Glow Network event to keep it full circle. My family is employed by both businesses.
The Glow Network Events are innovative networking events that bring like-minded individuals together to connect and inspire one another. Many great connections have been made at our events from sponsorships, job opportunities, new clients, and more. We combine all aspects of our business with technology since that is my background. We have also recently taken our network on the road where we bring empowerment to your events and into the spotlight.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In today’s world technology is a must, so the first skill I’ll mention is to adapt some type of technical aptitude whether it be social media, AI, video editing, or other relatable skills. The next skill is communication. I find that a lack of communication creates most of the problems that we face in our professional and sometimes personal lives. It’s not just about speaking and listening, but reading, understanding, and engaging are all critical parts of communicating that often go overlooked. The last skill is learning. I feel like no matter what you are passionate about you must always be a student of your craft. Continued learning stretches the imagination, creativity, and competitive edge.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My network! Hands down. I have a saying “we are strengthened exponentially by the power of every person in our trusted circle ” That’s where TGⁿ comes from. It’s a nod to the power of your network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theglownetwork.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.glow.network?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-glow-network/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@the.glow.network?si=f-CO-h3I_xJvlhse
Image Credits
Blaxview Production
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