Be You, With Us: Empowering Authentic Voices in Corporate Spaces

What does it mean to be your whole self at work? Is it showcasing your allyship button or favorite tattoo? Is it wearing your natural curly hair or dressing more casually? For most, being their authentic self is an expression of their culture, identity, language, experience with power dynamics, and more. Employees feel included, seen, heard, and valued when they are empowered to show up as their authentic selves.

It’s important to highlight how authenticity and belonging in the workplace affect employee engagement and well-being. I recently spoke with Dr. Ángel Vélez (He/Him/His), Global Lead, Inclusion Strategy and Consulting, at Cisco. For him, authenticity and belonging are critical to achieving Cisco’s collective purpose of Powering an Inclusive Future for All. With over 12 years of inclusion experience, Dr. Vélez intentionally shows up as his full self to serve as a blueprint for others who may not feel empowered to do the same.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Dr. Ángel Vélez (pronounced: Ah-n-hell Veh-lez). I’m an Afro-Puerto Rican man born and raised in Yauco, Puerto Rico, but currently living in Chicago, Illinois. I take pride in being a first-generation college graduate, which fuels my drive for quality education for all. I’ve taught courses in African/African American Studies, Latin/Latin American Studies, and Asian/Asian American Studies and led support programs for first generation students of color.

What does inclusion mean to you, and what inspired you to work in this field?

Inclusion concepts represent the cornerstone of a just and fair society where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. My firsthand experiences of growing up low-income, Black, and Puerto Rican have ignited my passion for working in this space. I am committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all.

• Inclusion involves recognizing and celebrating individual differences and perspectives.
• We acknowledge that everyone has unique needs and challenges to overcome. It aims to create fair and just systems that provide equal opportunities for everyone to succeed.
• Inclusion creates spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. It fosters a culture of respect, openness, and acceptance, where diverse voices are heard, actively sought out, and valued.

How do you show up authentically?

My tagline on LinkedIn is “Skilled at Being Authentic” because I believe I’ve mastered being comfortable in my skin. Although I am here now, that wasn’t always the case. For years, I over-emphasized my appearance to look “less threatening” in professional spaces. Showing up authentically means showing my tattoos, wearing Jordans, speaking in Spanglish, and using urban culture and expression everywhere I go.

I began to flourish once I acknowledged there was nothing inherently wrong with growing up poor and urban. Like Tupac’s poem once said, “I am the rose that grew from concrete.” It serves as a metaphor for individuals who rise above challenging circumstances and succeed against all odds.

 

What advice do you have for people not feeling empowered or welcome to show up as themselves?

• Identify communities where you can find support and connect with individuals who share similar experiences, which can provide a sense of belonging and empowerment. Cisco’s Inclusive Communities space is a great place where I am comfortable being myself. As an Afro-Latinx man, I enjoy spending my time with the Connected Black Professionals (CBP) and Conexión.
• Find allies, mentors, and sponsors who can guide, advise, and advocate for you in the workplace. Having leaders who can use their social capital to help amplify your voice and your career is critical. At Cisco, The Multiplier Effect (TME) helps promote sponsorship.
• Focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and the value you bring to the workplace. Confidence in your values can help you overcome barriers and show up authentically. I am my greatest advocate because I know what I bring to the business.

Be You, With Us