Having worked within the federal government of the United States and later in tech companies in Silicon Valley, I have encountered various approaches to cultivating a successful business culture. One consistent observation was that collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds introduced me to new ideas and perspectives, ultimately leading to personal and professional growth. As a team leader, I noticed that diverse teams often outperformed those with more homogeneous backgrounds in problem-solving and innovation. This realization prompted me to prioritize building diverse teams, which yielded positive results in both employee satisfaction and business performance.

Establishing and Promoting Inclusivity

During my tenure as Chief Security Officer at Facebook, I emphasized team dynamics and diversity within the largest team I had managed to date. With the support of my chief of staff, we introduced pioneering initiatives that set new standards within the company and the broader tech industry. One significant effort was the launch of the first “unconscious bias” training workshop at Facebook. This program aimed to highlight inherent biases and promote a more inclusive work culture. It has since become a staple in the tech industry, largely due to the groundwork laid by teams like mine.

Later, at Uber, I took on an executive leadership role focused on inclusivity, serving as the executive sponsor for UberHue, an employee resource group for the African-American community. In this role, I advocated for a more inclusive and equitable environment. At Cloudflare, I also served as the ERG lead for our black employee resource group, even published an article on building a diverse security team, and supported advocacy conversations within the company.

Beyond the Office: A Lifelong Commitment to Inclusivity

My efforts extend beyond the corporate setting. I actively participate in volunteer activities, sharing knowledge on internet safety and the importance of inclusivity with various audiences. My engagements range from speaking at middle and high schools to fire departments, police departments, and youth organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs.

I have also contributed to fostering future leaders by speaking at prestigious institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Alabama, Birmingham, emphasizing the importance of inclusive hiring in tech and law. Additionally, I have initiated volunteer programs, such as those with the Facebook security team at the East Palo Alto Boys and Girls Club, demonstrating my belief in the power of community engagement.

Currently, I continue to coach tech executives on building inclusive teams and share insights from my professional journey at conferences. Most recently, in April 2024, I keynoted the Minorities in Cybersecurity conference.