In recognition of Black History Month, we are proud to highlight the contributions and experiences of our Black colleagues at Doximity. This week, we feature an interview with Alexandra Thomas, Director, Editorial, from San Francisco, CA. Our conversation with Alexandra offers insights into her professional journey and her perspectives on the significance of this month's celebrations.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the achievements, contributions, history, and most importantly joy of Black people. It’s also an opportunity to take pride in one's cultural heritage and identity and to celebrate the richness and diversity within the Black community.
What does workplace allyship look like to you?
Workplace allyship involves leveraging privilege to support those from underrepresented communities, for the goal of fostering an inclusive culture. It begins with listening and cultivating empathy and continues with self-education. There are always opportunities for allyship: from acknowledging and crediting colleagues for their ideas, vocalizing support for the work of underrepresented groups in both formal and informal settings, or using one’s social platform to raise awareness about challenges or issues facing a particular community.
It begins with listening and cultivating empathy and continues with self-education.
How has BIPOC@Dox influenced your experience at Doximity?
BIPOC@Dox has given me space to learn more about and connect with people from other BIPOC identities, while teaching me how to be thoughtful about intersectionality. Being a member of the ERG and now the executive sponsor, has allowed me to engage in open and meaningful conversations about DEI at Doximity and has shown me how members of underrepresented communities can use their collective strengths for the betterment of the greater community. I’ve really enjoyed learning from and connecting with people outside of my team, with whom I don’t have the opportunity to work on a regular basis.
Are there any historical figures or current leaders that you want to acknowledge?
I’d love to take a moment to recognize the impressive accomplishments of my great aunt, Dr. Thelma Thomas Daley, a civil rights advocate, educator and humanitarian. Aunt TT, as we affectionately call her in my family, finished college at age 19 and has gone on to lead multiple national organizations over her career, primarily focusing on school counseling, education, and human rights. From her participation in the 1963 March on Washington, to her recent term as president of the National Council of Negro Women, an organization whose mission is to advance the opportunities and the quality of life for African-American women and their communities, she has always had a trailblazing spirit. She has friends of all ages, boundless energy, and takes pride in lifting up others, particularly Black women. In her words, her “overall belief [and mission] is to empower people so that no one is left behind”. She values being a “voice for the voiceless”, an ally in the truest sense.
How do you celebrate your heritage?
I’ve found immense joy in celebrating my heritage through cooking, particularly through recreating the special dishes that my family makes. Sharing the rich tapestry of my cultural background through food, with my husband’s family, has become a cherished tradition. Now they can’t imagine a Thanksgiving without sweet potato pie or a New years Day without black eyed peas. I’ve loved learning more about cooking styles and techniques of the Black diaspora, via cookbooks like Jubilee by Toni Tipton-Martin and The Rise by Marcus Samuelsson.
We're always hiring and we'd love to hear from you! See our open positions at workat.doximity.com.