HP People Talk About: Black History Month Inspiration

HP People Talk About: Black History Month Inspiration

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the impact African Americans have made in history and to highlight the importance of their contributions to society, our company, and our culture.

Read about some of the African American employees who have moved and influenced others through their careers, challenges, and successes, and get inspired by all that they add to HP.

What motivates me to push limits? Being an example for my daughter.

I love working for a company that allows me to pursue my dreams and take care of my family. After completing an HP-sponsored management program with the IT Senior Management Forum—an organization dedicated to cultivating executive talent among black technology professionals—I was motivated to return to school and earn my master’s degree. Working at HP allows me to fulfill my personal goals and proudly set a good example for my 13-year-old daughter. I want her to know she’s an unstoppable force who can be as ambitious as she wants and achieve anything.

LaKienya, IT Innovation Manager, Houston

How am I reinventing my career at HP? By searching for new paths on my journey.

I always remain open to new experiences that challenge me to grow and bring fresh perspectives that fuel innovation. HP has given me the opportunity to experience different cultures through its mobility program. Over the past five years, I have worked in London, Palo Alto, and Houston, with roles in Workforce Strategy and Planning, Business Human Resources for Personal Systems, and as chief of staff for our chief human resources officer. I am now embracing a new opportunity supporting our company’s transformation—continuing my reinvention journey alongside HP.

Shandra, HR, Organizational Design and Transformation, Houston

How do I make a difference at work? I remind everyone to do what matters.

Black History Month is the right time for me to recognize and shed light on the role African Americans have played in our society and our history with my children. But also with my colleagues and team. Being an IT manager gives me an opportunity to remind them that what they do makes a difference and it should never get overlooked or ignored. This is what strengthens my connections with them and motivates me to foster the inclusive environment we need at HP to continue making a positive impact on the world through technology.

Joel, IT Manager, Houston

How do I live my passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? By teaching others and inspiring their curiosity.

In graduate school, I had to decide whether I wanted to pursue a career in academia or business. Thankfully, my role as a senior data scientist allows me to have the best of both worlds: I work with incredibly bright people on cutting-edge technology, and I also teach statistics courses at HP sites around the world. Inspiring others about the importance of data and the ethics of data collection and analysis gives me the energy I need to be a STEM ambassador.

Kristen, Senior Data Scientist, Corvallis

How do I bring the meaning of Black History Month to life at work? By learning from those around me.

I am the first person in my family to graduate from a university and use my degree professionally. But even with schooling, I learn the most by observing my colleagues, and over the past 22 years, I have tried to use what I admire or appreciate most in them to improve and grow. The ability to be true and authentic to who I am motivates me to show up at work with my sleeves rolled up. I strive to ensure I work on the right things, and I aim to be courageous and bold enough to ask questions that will help me and HP grow and succeed.

Jeanell, IT Innovation Program Manager, Palo Alto