“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” - Maya Angelou
Do you remember your first few years of working? I still vividly remember mine. I showed up for my first day of work at PwC with permed hair that looked like a curly pyramid, a batik tie dye wraparound skirt, light blue t-shirt, and chunky platform sandals. Everyone else had on gray (or navy) suits, white shirts, and closed toe shoes. Mistake #1. People went out for happy hours after work which, as an introvert, was uncomfortable for me and a completely new experience. I didn’t even know what “happy hour” meant. Mistake #2. I marveled at people getting promoted and didn’t understand how that was happening since I had worked just as hard. It took me a while to figure out mentorship, sponsorship, and self-promotion. My Japanese American parents had instilled the “work hard, keep your head down, don’t rock the boat” approach. Mistake #3. I didn’t want to look stupid by asking questions and hoped I would fit in by being silent. Mistake #4. The list goes on. Many of you may have similar stories about your early career.
The following twenty-year journey was figuring out through ups and downs, wins and losses, stumbles and leaps, what I wanted to do in my career. I don’t begrudge any of the experiences because they culminated in starting the advertising agency, Copacino Fujikado. I do know it would have been easier if I had understood the way of careers a bit better and felt in a comfortable space to talk about it.
Realizing the demographic change happening today in first generation college graduates, and watching companies’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, I felt driven to form Success Cohorts–coaching and community building for early career individuals from historically underrepresented communities (e.g., first gen, BIPOC).
Our first cohort started in October 2021 with 11 early career professionals from various industries and titles. All were College Success Foundation alumni. CSF was, and remains, a willing partner who appreciates the space for their alumni post-graduation. It’s been fast-paced since then. We’ve learned, and gotten better, from each cohort. We survey after each session and their responses cause us to tweak our process and curriculum.
For me, Success Cohorts has been an energizing time of learning and inspiration. It’s one thing to read about first generation college graduates. It’s quite another to hear first person about the impact of being undocumented, the pressure to assimilate, how different cultural backgrounds affect your approach to work, or how alone you may feel to be the “only” or the “other.” Their stories make me determined to fulfill Success Cohorts’ purpose and shine our members’ “lights from within.”
What does success look like for Success Cohorts?
To provide a safe space of belonging for early career individuals to build confidence, develop their voice, feel seen, and build community
To support an individuals’ definition of success: Promotions. Raises, Career Pivots. New Jobs. Job Satisfaction
To level the playing field in the workplace and steepen the career trajectories of our members
The first two years have flown by. We’re looking forward with hope for our next two. By then I’ll be 70 years old and ready to turn the reins over to our next generation of leadership. Stay tuned. If you have a few minutes, read our Community Update.
