What was the biggest highlight of your fellowship experience?

The biggest highlight is the community! I was so impressed by the alumni and my fellow scholars who all gave great advice and support. Although I worked at a startup prior, the fellowship helped me to learn explicitly what to look out for with equity packages, optimizing my LI, and more. Having a network of folks on a similar journey is truly unmatched.

How has your career trajectory been impacted by completing the fellowship?

I had been on the path to product management (PM) but having access to more PMs to speak with and get support from, particularly POC, was incredible. I knew it would be hard to land my first PM role with little to no experience in the height of layoffs in 2022, so I decided to make a first degree pivot. I was able to ultimately land a role in product operations at Cityblock health, currently a series D startup based in New York, while in the fellowship. I had generous support figuring out how much I should be paid with 82cents and spent time with leaderships thinking through my benefits negotiation strategy. Now, nearly two years later, I am a formal product manager at a series A startup with huge growth on the horizon.

Why do you think programs and communities such as Colorwave need to exist?

I can't express how important it is to have others who look like you and have similar aspirations gathered in one place. Unless there are formal spaces to gather, with programming, and clear expectations to push you forward, it is hard to connect otherwise.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

Being a product leader, likely at a startup.

How has the wealth gap impacted your life or family and what do you believe might be critical to overcoming that?

My parents immigrated to the US as refugees with nothing. I am the wealth builder. Thankfully, through programs like Colorwave, I have been able to connect with the right people to get me to a place of wealth building for my family. What is critical is the place to meet and connect with people who can provide mentorship and explicit opportunities.

Why would you recommend the program and joining Colorwave?

You are joining a network of people who will truly be a force to reckoned with as we continue to grow. Everyone is driven, supportive, and ready growth. With time, I am confident we will be able to sustain programs like Colorwave with the wealth we are building.

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