As a minority-owned business, we recognize the value of diversity as a catalyst for equality and expression. We embrace it, because when we hold hands in respect and acceptance, we can overcome barriers that limit our ability to capitalize on the unique fabric of our organization.
That is why we are proud to honor the rich heritage of Black History Month during February. As we celebrate many accomplishments, achievements, advancements and broken barriers, we want to especially acknowledge trailblazers within our local community and industry and appreciate the difference-makers at SSTech.
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month and the impact those have made across our industry.
Our next employee spotlight is on Ashleigh Reid, our Marketing Operations Specialist in Tampa, Florida. Ashleigh joined the SSTech family during mid-2020. She manages and refines many of our Marketing Team’s technical and operational activities, and spends a lot of time sifting through data, collecting performance metrics, handling the SSTech CRM database, and executing channel distribution for promotional campaigns.
In her own words, learn about her motivations and how Black history has shaped her life.
How has diversity impacted your career decisions?
Diversity has impacted my career choices, as it plays a massive role in my decision for potential employers. When venturing on a new career path, I believe it’s just as important to research a company’s internal stakeholders, as much as it is to memorize its core values before an interview.
Working for a minority-owned company, such as SSTech, which welcomes our differences and encourages equality, brings me a great sense of pride and motivates me to work toward common goals each day.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I was born and raised in the Cayman Islands. Being from such a small collection of gems in the Caribbean has allowed me to embrace change and explore new opportunities humbly.
Like many other countries in the West Indies, Cayman is a melting pot of different people and nationalities. I was exposed to a diverse range of cultures at an early age, which taught me the value of respecting others and gave me the courage to venture out on my own later in life.
What is one of your favorite quotes or sayings that has impacted you?
Before his death in 2020, Chadwick Boseman (more commonly known as The Black Panther) delivered the commencement speech at Harvard University. During which, he stated:
“I don’t know what your future is, but if you’re willing to take the harder way, the more complicated one, the one with more failures at first than successes . . . then you will not regret it.”
The speech itself was enlightening. But this statement resonates with me each day. It encourages me to push my limits, trust in myself and never give up, no matter the challenge.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It wasn’t until I started pursuing higher education in the United States that I developed a more profound understanding of Black History Month; namely, its significance in this country’s battle for equality and civil rights. There’s so much culture, talent and wisdom within this community that deserves praise.
As a West Indian native, I embrace BHM as a commemorative celebration of all Black/African-American/Afro-Caribbean individuals and their historical, present-day and future accomplishments toward making positive footprints in the world.