We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Ahoni-woodburn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
My whole life I’ve faced circumstances where I have been the only black woman in the room. Growing up in rural Indiana, I was one of few black students in both my elementary and middle schools. I attended Indiana University and was the only black woman in my entire MBA class. I currently work at Meta, and despite having other black women in the broader company, I am the only one in my immediate team. All of these circumstances have taught me how to be successful despite being the “only one” in the room. To be effective and successful in situations where I have been the only black woman in the room, it has been essential to focus on a few key strategies.
First and foremost, authenticity has been essential. The minute I fully embraced my uniqueness and stopped trying to be like the majority of people around me, I realized how my perspective can offer insights that others may not see, adding value to discussions and decisions. One distinct example was in my past job at Google, I was the only Black woman present among a group of senior leaders and I proposed creating a diversity, equity, and inclusion council for our department. By embracing my authenticity, I decided to share my unique perspective on how our department could address DEI to foster inclusive innovation in our team . I openly spoke about my personal experiences and how they influenced my happiness in a job or team, offering insights that others may not have considered. My genuine approach resonated with the team, and they appreciated the fresh perspective I brought. This authenticity not only showcased my expertise in creating an inclusive team environment, but also led to a deeper discussion about product inclusion. As a result, the team implemented my suggestions, creating the first ever DEI Council for our department. By being true to myself and sharing my experiences, I established credibility and respect, highlighting the importance of diverse voices in decision-making. This not only contributed to the project’s success but also positioned me as a valuable asset within the organization, paving the way for future opportunities.
Additionally, I have had to build confidence. For me, this has been a continuous journey. At its core, I’ve had to truly believe in my abilities and value. Having confidence in my ideas has been able to influence how others perceive my contributions and in turn respect me as a leader and manager. I’ve built my confidence by working with professional therapists and by taking on leadership roles, from leading affinity groups at a large tech company, to being a board member of Hermosa Circle, a community organization. Additionally, I’ve built confidence in areas where I am passionate. I am a certified personal trainer and most passionate about fitness. I leveraged that strength to become a group fitness instructor, where I would teach classes ranging from 8-60 individuals; I’ve even taught classes to large audiences of 100+ at community fitness events. While this may seem unrelated to confidence in professional life, being a group fitness instructor has given me the confidence to address large audiences and positively motivate others around me, even complete strangers.
Lastly, I have prioritized networking. This has allowed me to build connections with individuals who can support me, even if they don’t share my background. Finding allies has helped me amplify my voice. Finding sponsors who do look like me, has helped me have advocates in spaces where I am not present, but can still be represented in a positive light. Networking has also allowed me to go from being uncomfortable in spaces where I’ve felt isolated, to being able to easily have conversations with people from all different backgrounds. One experience that stands out for me was when I attended a professional conference where I was the only Black woman in my session. Feeling a bit out of place initially, I reminded myself of the importance of networking. During a break, I took the opportunity to strike up conversations with other attendees. I introduced myself to a few people, sharing my experiences and insights. One of the individuals I connected with was a manager who was genuinely interested in my perspective. We exchanged contact information and this connection eventually led to opportunities for mentorship. By building these relationships, I created a support system that not only helped me navigate that particular environment but also opened doors for future promotions and projects. Networking helped me feel more confident and empowered, demonstrating that even in spaces where I might feel isolated, I could still establish connections that would drive my success.
By applying these strategies, I have been able to create a positive impact even in challenging situations.
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’ve worked in big tech for the past 9 years. I recently started working as a Regulatory Readiness Senior Program Manager at Meta. Prior to working in regulatory affairs, the bulk of my career in tech had been focused on leading operations for innovation incubators, both at Meta and previously at Google. I understand what is needed to fuel zero to one innovation and then work with many stakeholders to help new products launch. I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to establish a successful career trajectory in big tech while having a side hustle in fitness.
I launched Body by J.A. in 2014, with a mission to help individuals create a fit and healthy lifestyle despite having demanding careers. The mission was driven by how I shaped my own life early in my career. As part of my fitness ‘side hustle’ throughout the past 10 years, I have worked as a group fitness instructor at Barry’s, served as a brand ambassador for Athleta and On, and led community beach workouts. I am now rebranding Body by J.A. into a new fitness brand (stay tuned) and hope to grow the brand, primarily with a digital presence.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as both a tech professional and a fitness instructor are adaptability, problem-solving, and communication.
Adaptability has been crucial in both fields. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and staying current with new tools, languages, and trends requires a mindset that embraces change. Similarly, as a fitness instructor, I’ve had to adapt to different client needs, goals, and abilities, ensuring that every class is effective and motivating. Being open to change has allowed me to remain flexible in both domains, fostering growth and success.
Problem-solving is another skill that’s been essential. In tech, I’m frequently faced with complex challenges, whether it’s innovating the next big trend or optimizing systems. This mindset extends to fitness, where each individual’s body and goals present unique obstacles. The ability to approach these challenges with critical thinking and creativity has enabled me to find effective solutions in both areas.
Lastly, communication has been key. In tech, clear communication is vital for collaborating with teams, explaining complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and ensuring smooth project execution. As a fitness instructor, communication is even more critical in guiding clients through exercises, providing feedback, and creating a supportive environment. The ability to convey ideas clearly and motivate others has had a profound impact on my ability to succeed in both careers.
These qualities, combined with the technical expertise I’ve gained, have shaped my professional journey and continue to drive my success in both fields.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am looking to collaborate with other fitness instructors, nutrition coaches, and healthy food vendors to create fitness events and/or retreats in the Los Angeles area. I am also looking for corporate partners to provide group workouts and motivational talks to employees to help them learn how to prioritize health and fitness amidst a busy career. Finally, I’d love to partner with brands tailored to mothers to create pre and postnatal fitness opportunities for mothers. For any readers who want to connect, please reach out to me at bodybyja.la@gmail.com to discuss collaboration ideas.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/body.by.ja/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodybyja/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaahoni
Image Credits
Alisha Jucevic
Jeffrey Dransfeldt
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
