I sat in my modest apartment thinking about what to do next as the sun sank behind the Seattle cityscape, embracing the Puget Sound. Although the city has long been associated with opportunity and hope, it frequently seems more like a maze of concealed prejudice and glass ceilings to me as a BIPOC professional attempting to make my way through the corporate sector.
My journey began in Lagos, Nigeria, where I grew up surrounded by the vibrant colors of the Nigerian flag. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a belief that education was the key to unlocking doors. So, when the opportunity arose to study abroad, I packed my dreams and boarded a plane to the United States.
Seattle welcomed me with its evergreen forests and tech-savvy culture. Armed with my freshly minted degree in computer science, I dove headfirst into the world of software development. But the road wasn’t smooth. I faced micro aggressions, assumptions about my accent, and the occasional “Where are you really from?” question. Yet, I persisted.
The First Crossroads: Corporate vs. Startup
My first crossroads came early in my career. Two job offers lay before me: a cushy corporate gig at a tech giant or a risky venture with a scrappy startup. The corporate path promised stability, but the startup whispered promises of innovation and impact. I chose the latter, fueled by the audacity of youth and the desire to make a dent in the universe.
In that cramped office, surrounded by mismatched furniture and the hum of creativity, I learned to wear multiple hats. I coded during the day, pitched investors in the evening, and debugged server issues at midnight. The Nigerian flag pinned to my cubicle wall reminded me of my roots and the resilience of my ancestors.
The Second Crossroads: Climbing the Ladder or Leaping into Entrepreneurship
As the startup grew, so did my responsibilities. I faced another crossroads: climb the corporate ladder or leap into entrepreneurship. The safety net of a steady paycheck tugged at me, but my heart yearned for something more. So, I co-founded my own company, a blend of technology and artistry, where we painted digital canvases with lines of code.
The journey was exhilarating and exhausting. We danced on the edge of bankruptcy, celebrated small wins, and weathered storms. The Nigerian flag hung proudly in our office, a symbol of resilience and unity. And as I stood on stage, accepting an award for innovation, I realized that my story was more than just mine, it was a testament to the power of diversity and determination.
The Third Crossroads: Mentorship or Solitude
Now, as a seasoned professional, I face a new crossroads: mentorship or solitude. Do I hoard my knowledge, guarding it like a precious gem? Or do I pay it forward, lifting others as I climb? The answer lies in the legacy I want to leave, the impact I want to have beyond lines of code or profit margins.
So, I write this blog post, sharing my journey with you. To the aspiring BIPOC professional reading this: You are not alone. The road may be winding, but each crossroads is an opportunity. Embrace your uniqueness, learn from setbacks, and carry your flag, whether it’s the Nigerian flag, the American flag, or the flag of your own dreams.
Remember, career success isn’t a straight line; it’s a mosaic of choices, courage, and resilience. And as the sun rises over Seattle, casting a new day in golden hues, know that your story matters. Your rise is an inspiration to others, and together, we’ll shatter those glass ceilings, one bold step at a time.