Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katina Cunningham. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katina , 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?
This question prompts my perspective in several ways, loaded to say the least. I have to touch the question from a couple of standpoints:
I’m a middle age, African American Female, degreed in Computer Science, whose line of work has been saturated in areas that many times defy the status quo. Stats show that the male to female ratio is 78.8 to 21.2 in my area of work. In the way of culture and race, being the only one in the room takes a whole other turn, where social, political, religious, status/class is a complete other panel discussion.
I have sat in the past and continue to sit on the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council that seeks to bring awareness to, apply what we know better, and hone in on matters that impact and address being the only one in the room attributes, its likenesses, differences, and how we can bring actionable change to create sustainability and equity to these room moments.
Being the only one in the room has its benefits as it has down sides. The advantage of this endeavor is awareness and to find the opportunities to be the change we desire to see in these instances. It is advantageous to acknowledge our differences and understand how much more complimentary and united we are because of those differences.
Many get to witness the surface of your life, credentials, and no so much what it is to be the one in the room realities. Sometimes the stories shared give little justice of what it takes to be a agent of change. It can be quite daunting, however, when we find open opportunities to speak candidly, respectfully and understand how effective and efficient the room can be with alignment, we all can create meaningful life moments.
If we focus on the disadvantage then the disadvantage will take a front seat. I find it meaningful to focus on how much more rich life is, can be, and the embrace the opportune approach.
Learning to remember purpose, humanity, identify commonalities, and communicate in the way of understanding the attributes that make us different to some degree can open lines of communications around those differences which create understanding. Understanding is principle.
It absolutely can arrive at a place to champion likenesses and celebrate differences.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My focus as of present is continuing to work my business. I am currently working through a Business Work Shop that I committed to complete as one of my Professional Goals this year that keeps my foundational business solid. This year, we celebrated the 8 Year Anniversary of C3 Innovations LLC. – Technology Consulting and Technology Education. A one woman movement that began before it was incorporated just doing the small things, wearing many hats, and being a steward over the little things. I have always been strong in the way of supporting the dreams of others with my gifts, talents and time. I have and will continue to keep a business coach because what is life with other perspectives. Not only are we in the business of innovation, we are also in the business of people and assisting them to be sustainable and resilient. C3 Innovations LLC is continuing exhibitions in Technology Education, Tech Consulting, and Partnering with organizations/institutions to enhance and align innovation and business system solutions.
Many think of technology in the way of an application of scientific knowledge and application only, however, it is so much more. There is a whole basis in the evolution to not leave anyone behind as it is a very source of maintaining our everyday lives for quite some time now. From the way we start our mornings, tech and innovation is interweaved into our very lives. We continue to focus on our area of expertise technology, innovation, tech education, and sustainable solutions in the socio-economic areas to help families towards sustainability after the pandemic.
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?
The three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were: 1). Resourcefulness 2). Fortitude 3). Resilience
1). Resourcefulness: The source of everything that I am privy to comes from GOD(the source). My life has been so enriched from the beginning with the gifts, talents, and abilities that have attributed to the manifestation of amazing fruit.
2). Fortitude: Adverse times have proven that we can come back(personally & professionally), we must acknowledge to ourselves, not only a belief, but we we must know that we can.
3). Resilience: We know that trials and adversity will come, inevitably. We know that even when it comes we can come back. We really can.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The most helpful in overcoming challenges and developing essential skills is GOD, and the GOD in me. The intangibles placed in us are proof positive of what is possible. I have lived through a few things, that.. but by the grace and mercies of GOD, there would be nothing else.
With GOD, I possess every attribute I need to power through in my personal and professional life.
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Image Credits
Photo Credits: Katina Cunningham
