Transparency, Authenticity, and Betting on Myself
Name: Tierra
Title: Product Owner
Location: New Albany, OH
Pronouns: She/Her
Life lessons and faith in myself
My personal brand is transparency and authenticity.
I’m working on self-worth and betting on myself. For most of my life, I’ve put other people first. Becoming a mother at the young age of 16, and having more children since then, it’s never been up for debate—they come first. I never spent the time to get to know myself, and what I’m truly capable of. This year, I’ve focused on that heavily. By doing so, I was able to identify strengths and desires and opened my business! I own an event rental and mobile bartending business. I rent out event décor or furniture and bartend celebrations!
I’m so proud of the barriers I’ve overcome with the stigmas and challenges in relation to teen moms along with being a first-generation college grad. A hard truth I’ve come to learn is: “no one is coming to save you! You owe you!” If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say: “Stay focused, bet on yourself, and get to know YOU.”
The best decision I ever made was my choice in friends. I’ve surrounded myself with good people. No matter what, we continue to nurture and love one another.
I’ve recently started in a new role, as a Product Owner in Data & Analytics, and much like my previous role, the challenge will be learning this role in a remote environment with a team spread across the world. My ultimate goal is to grow in Product Management and attain my certification through our Guild program. I lean into my ability to be organized, structured, and transparent with my leaders regarding wins, losses, needs, etc.
Every decision I’ve made to invest in myself has had the biggest impact on my life. No regrets.
Self-identity and empowerment
Navigating a corporate environment has always been interesting for me because I’m viewed as just White since I’m Mixed. People are surprised to learn of my full identity/heritage. I celebrate it, proudly share, and kindly educate as needed.
DE&I, to me, means empowering, acknowledging, respecting, appreciating, celebrating, and leveraging everyone’s differences to reach one’s full potential without barriers. I see this every day through leading HOLA and partnering with peer ERG leaders. I also see this through ERGs being included in company decisions.
HOLA has partnered with many nonprofits to give back to local communities across the different Discover HOLA regions. I’ve been proud to give back by providing a scholarship for a local Latino HS Graduate going to college, sponsor backpacks full of school supplies for Latino children/families in need, sponsoring the Latino festival for recruitment, sponsoring Christmas gifts to Latino families in need, and partnering with local schools for career development.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate, learn, and commemorate those who have paved the way before us.