We recently connected with Regina Weatherspoon-Bell and have shared our conversation below.
Regina, 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?
I can remember as far back as adolescent when I was taking professional dance classes and attending what was then referred to as charm school, being the only brown girl in the room. After High School as I started on my career quest in the entertainment industry quite often, I was the only person of color who was in the room amongst management and executives who was not an artist. What I learned was how important it was to have a strategy and be intentional about my seat at the table. I recognized early on that there are times when observation, listening and learning is the mission or goal. Other times, making an impression by being well prepared and spot-on in my presentation and presence is the goal. Learning how to gage the room, the climate and timing have been essential skills for me to cultivate. For me, It has been the ability to read the room, people, trends, language (body & verbal) that has rendered ‘effectiveness.” It has equally been the ability to stay balanced under fire or when underestimated, that has rendered me successful, it’s often at those times, that I’ve been able to control the table, make a most persuasive ask that yields undeniable mutual benefit, therefore elevating the discussion and mindset to move beyond being the only one in the room that looks like me to being the only one in the room with the ability to garner favor and consensus to be effective and successful in our quest.
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?
I am currently at that point in my journey where I am truly writing my own ticket. It’s not just about financial security but the credibility of creating a body of work that speaks for itself. For over 20 years in my community, I have been about the work of establishing a small “niche'” business and non-profit organization. Simultaneously, I cultivated an effective network of relationships and contacts that range from business (small & corporate), government, non-profit sector, education, faith based, and community-based organizations.
I have utilized my currency in ways that have helped so many in so many ways gain access to doors and minds that were once closed. What I am most proud of is it’s quite often been this connection that has helped bring attention, solutions and success to issues, areas, communities commonly known to be underserved.
I have the opportunity to sit at tables as a Board Member where policy and systemic injustice is being addressed and transformed. I have the opportunity to bring others who look like me and who are 10x smarter than me to these spaces- I’m am exceedingly proud to be able to affect this type of growth and change.
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?
Listen Observe
Know, Believe, & Stand on your Principals.
Never stop leaning, be open to hearing opposing thoughts and weigh the validity of those thoughts.
Think strategically yet allow yourself to shift and/or modify if necessary.
Master working with people from a place of respect!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me, was to encourage me to be me! They were honest in raising me to recognize how society at large may look at me as a brown girl/woman but to recognize within myself that no one can limit me (as much as they might try), only I can limit me.
They taught me that my voice has value and to use it purposefully.
The best thing my parents did for me was model what they preached! Love, Kindness & Respect!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dvlproject.com
Image Credits
Photos courtesy of the DVL Project
