Happy Women’s History Month! At the Urban Affairs Coalition, we believe that women’s empowerment begins with sharing our personal and collective narratives. This month, we’re celebrating the diverse stories of Women of the Coalition, today’s we spotlight Ivery Scott, our Human Resources Coordinator.
Is there part of your story and journey that you would like to share?
The last few years of my life have been very eventful. I received my first Full Time w/ benefits job that aligns directly with my degree and career path. I had my first child who has changed my life completely. After having my daughter I felt myself getting more comfortable in my position. However, co-workers would say you can’t stop here you have so much more to do, and though my work wasn’t slacking it was like they felt my energy. The comment set with me and I thought, What am I doing, I had so many plans and having a child couldn’t paused my dreams. So I pulled out my notebook and wrote down some goals they are as follows ; 2023 Buy a Home, 2024 Received SHRM Certificate, 2025 I/O Consultant Start Up.
What is one lesson or piece of advice you wish you had known earlier in your career or journey that you would like to share with aspiring women?
Don’t doubt yourself, know your worth and capabilities. There were times in my career when I doubted that I wasn’t knowledgeable enough to speak on topics that would arise during my graduate career and at work. However, someone would always speak the exact thoughts I had and be praised and acknowledged. After a while, I decided to speak my mind regardless if I may be right, wrong, judged…it didn’t really matter as long as someone heard me. I encourage all to be sure to speak up even when you think it’s not necessary, but sometimes you find out that your thoughts needed to be heard.
How have you been able to create positive change or contribute to women’s empowerment through your work or experiences?
Being a role model! I’m always ready to encourage anyone whose willing to listen. Not just speaking on the change but being the change.
What is an important next step –we can all take—to empower women to tell their stories without being fearful?
THIS – I was so honored and nervous to receive this email, to know that someone want to know my perspective, my journey, about me. I wanted to respond and say do I have to… but then I thought well my story may encourage someone like me to tell their story.
What is one lesson or piece of advice you wish you had known earlier in your career or journey that you would like to share with aspiring women?
Don’t doubt yourself, know your worth and capabilities. There were times in my career when I doubted that I wasn’t knowledgeable enough to speak on topics that would arise during my graduate career and at work. However, someone would always speak the exact thoughts I had and be praised and acknowledged. After a while, I decided to speak my mind regardless if I may be right, wrong, judged…it didn’t really matter as long as someone heard me. I encourage all to be sure to speak up even when you think it’s not necessary, but sometimes you find out that your thoughts needed to be heard.
How have you been able to create positive change or contribute to women’s empowerment through your work or experiences?
Being a role model! I’m always ready to encourage anyone whose willing to listen. Not just speaking on the change but being the change.
What is an important next step –we can all take—to empower women to tell their stories without being fearful?
THIS – I was so honored and nervous to receive this email, to know that someone want to know my perspective, my journey, about me. I wanted to respond and say do I have to… but then I thought well my story may encourage someone like me to tell their story.