Creating Your Own Tribe: Reflections from C2 Next Generation Summit
By Sydney Rodgers
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending C2 Next Generation Summit as a part of ColorComm’s Fellow Class of 2019. ColorComm is an extensive network for women of color in all areas of the communications industry. The organization focuses on helping women advance their careers through leadership training, mentorship and job opportunities.
Founder Lauren Wesley Wilson started the organization after finding herself in unfamiliar territory early in her career. During that time she was looking for professional mentorship, trying to explain to family and friends exactly what were her job responsibilities were and wondering: “Where the heck were all of the women of color working in communications?”
Similar to the fields of entertainment, technology, healthcare and other industries, there is a lack of diversity in communications. Particularly in public relations, where there is a shortage of practitioners from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. According to research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the ethnic makeup of the PR industry in the U.S. in 2018 was 85.8% white, 10.7% African American, 3.1% Asian American, and 3.1 % Hispanic American.
Considering that by 2020, 36.5% of the U.S. population will be comprised of ethnic minorities including blacks, Asians or Pacific Islanders, Hispanics or Latinos, and Native Americans, it’s important that our industry mirrors the population it is looking to engage. Missing that mark could result in the downfall of the industry and an even more continuous stream of botched tone-death campaigns.
Outside of recruiting employees of diverse demographics, there is a need for inclusion in the workspace. Lack of intent within diversity and inclusion programs often leads to feelings of inadequacy, micro-aggressions and uncomfortableness. This then causes diverse team members to leave seeking an environment that is free from prejudice and fosters equity.
I’ve always aspired to have a career in communications. Throughout college, I landed various internships and participated in professional development programs to improve my skills. In many of these spaces, I was the only minority female.
While I’ve never experienced direct prejudice in my budding career, I have had feelings of not belonging or feeling capable despite my achievements. Being the only person or one of a few people of color and feeling societal pressures, it seems like I’m out of place. This feeling is quite common when people don’t believe they are fully represented and can transcend into imposter syndrome.
For the last nine years, ColorComm has devoted itself to becoming a space for women like myself. The organization has chapters throughout the country and hosts a range of programs to create memorable experiences for its members and attendees. The major events within the organization include the annual C2 Conference in Miami and the C2 Next Generation Summit, both of which I’ve had the pleasure of attending.
The fellowship program for the C2 Next Generation Summit is especially unique as it was designed for women of color 35 and younger, by some of the industry’s leading ladies under the age of 35. Those interested in receiving the fellowship could apply online for the opportunity to be selected. This year more than 300 professionals gathered at Chelsea Piers in New York City for the summit.
ColorComm also selected 57 Fellows between the ages of 21 -26. The selection process was based on individuals’ contributions to the industry and how they give back to their communities. I was lucky enough to be chosen as a Fellow, along with a number of recent college graduates and other entry-level professionals, looking to network with the best in the industry.
At this year’s summit attendees heard directly from leading and experienced professionals including Sallie Krawcheck, Co-Founder and CEO of Ellevest; Zara Rahim, Senior Director of Strategic Communications, The Wing; Alencia Johnson, Director of Public Engagement, Presidential Campaign for Senator Elizabeth Warren; Shawn Outler, EVP, Chief Diversity Officer at Macy’s and many more.
I wanted to share some of the takeaways from this event:
1. Take care of your future self by investing and spending wisely. Try the 50, 30 and 20 spending rule — 50% toward everyday needs, 30% toward fun and 20% toward saving or investing.
2. The best way for a company to show that they appreciate you is paying you.
3. Advocate for yourself by setting a time limit to demonstrate responsibilities and then discuss promotions.
4. Create value by being innovative.
5. As a woman of color, identify allies that help you regardless of their race or gender.
6. Flexibility is key in handling the challenges that life throws at you. Be open to changing directions.
7. Avoid diversity fatigue in your organization by talking with people, not talking at people.
8. Don’t take everyone’s advice. It’s best to pick and choose what works for you.
ColorComm is a fantastic organization. If you’re interested in learning more, visit ColorCommNetwork.com.
