Why is diversity important at Unilever?
Unilever is a global company, and our brands are sold across the world. If we are selling in South America, we need to understand that consumer. We need to be able to relate to everyone. It helps to have a diverse workforce to understand all these different consumers. For example, I can offer my unique perspective as a young, Hispanic, newly out of college consumer on say, a new Dove body wash. Diversity is also important for teamwork, because in life, there’s always going to be teamwork involved—you’re not going to work with the same type of person all the time. Has your diversity influenced your success? I would say yes, because it’s lit a fire under me. Through my diversity and my relationship with INROADS, I’ve been exposed to many successful minority figures. They’ve shown me what minorities are capable of despite hardships and obstacles. This seems childish, but I remember thinking in high school, “I want to make $70,000 some day.” But seeing INROADS alum who are representative o
