We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DeVynne Starks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with DeVynne below.
DeVynne, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been the youngest person in the room. I landed my first corporate job during my junior year of college at Albany State University, and from that point on, I was often the youngest—and sometimes the only millennial in leadership spaces. Balancing advanced roles and responsibilities while trying to embrace both my youth and my capabilities was a challenge, and I struggled with imposter syndrome for years. But over time, I realized that despite my age or perceived lack of experience, I earned my seat at the table because I brought value. The individuals who hired me saw something in me, and that was enough to shift my mindset. As I entered my 30s, I made a commitment to myself to not only embrace my own strengths but to also support and uplift new talent. I now understand that fresh perspectives breed creativity, foster innovation, and drive the change needed for growth, which has helped me step into leadership with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
As I transitioned into entrepreneurship, imposter syndrome resurfaced and I realized that it wasn’t something I could easily shake off. Like many entrepreneurs, I found myself questioning my worth and whether I truly belonged, especially as a Black woman in the tech space. The tech industry has long been dominated by people who don’t look like me or my business partner, and at times, that made me feel out of place. But over the years, I learned that overcoming imposter syndrome is a continuous process, particularly for women of color in spaces where we are often underrepresented. To combat these feelings, I constantly remind myself that I deserve to be in any room that I land in because the door opened up for me!
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’m the cofounder of HERide, a female-friendly rideshare company based in Atlanta, Georgia. What excites me the most about what we do is that we’re not just another rideshare service—we’re changing the landscape of safety and inclusivity within the industry. HERide is the third rideshare company approved to operate at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and we’re proud to be the first female-friendly service to secure a contract at the busiest airport in the world. Our goal is to capture a third of the airport’s rideshare market while continuing to grow our driver base, which now exceeds 300 drivers, and with over 50,000 downloads on our app, we are proving there’s a strong demand for this service.
Our commitment to safety and empowering women sets us apart. We were the first to introduce a women-only driver app and the first to pilot biometric features designed to improve safety for both passengers and drivers. We understand that safety is a significant concern within the rideshare industry, and we’ve built HERide to prioritize the unique needs of women and other underserved communities. Beyond that, our vision is to continue pushing the boundaries of what a rideshare company can do—focusing on both business growth and social impact. We’re not just creating a platform; we’re building a movement that redefines how transportation services can be both safe and empowering for all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my 10+ years in marketing and communications, I’d say the three most impactful qualities that shaped my journey were adaptability, relationship-building, and strategic thinking. In an industry that is constantly evolving, adaptability has been crucial in staying relevant and finding creative ways to connect clients with their target audiences. Relationship-building has always been at the core of my work—whether with journalists, clients, or partners—establishing trust and maintaining genuine connections has been key to long-term success. Lastly, strategic thinking allowed me to see the bigger picture, to move beyond just executing tasks and focus on how each initiative aligned with the broader business goals.
For any Public Relations (PR) professional early in their journey, my advice is to focus on developing these qualities early on. Start by embracing change and learning how to pivot when needed, because the landscape of marketing and PR is never static. Building relationships should be a priority—networking isn’t just about gaining business, it’s about cultivating real, lasting connections. Lastly, don’t just go through the motions—always ask “Why?” and think about how your work contributes to larger organizational objectives. Take time to learn from mentors and stay curious; the more you understand the strategic side of the work, the more valuable you become to clients and employers.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
As a mother, business owner, and cofounder, I’m no stranger to fast-paced environments that often come with a lot of pressure and stress. When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to take a step back and reassess what might be contributing to those feelings. More often than not, I realize it’s either a lack of organization or neglecting my self-care, both of which play a huge role in managing stress. Being intentional about creating systems and structures, whether in my business or personal life, helps to minimize chaos and allows me to prioritize effectively. When everything feels like a whirlwind, breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps has been a game-changer for me.
I also recognize the importance of self-care in maintaining my well-being and overall productivity. When I’m overwhelmed, I make it a priority to pause and recharge, even if it’s just for a few moments to clear my mind or step away from the screen. Simple acts like taking a walk, reading a book, or spending time with my family help me reconnect with myself. My advice is to recognize the signals of burnout before they become overwhelming and don’t hesitate to lean into organization and self-care. By taking care of both your mind and your tasks, you can be more effective in all areas of your life, from business to family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.HERide.com
- Instagram: devynne.starks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devynne-starks-935bb9133
Image Credits
DeVynne Starks
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