Feb 19th, 2025

Black Excellence Spotlight: Meet Asmeret

Continuing our Black History Month Employee Spotlight series, we’re proud to highlight Asmeret! As one of our dedicated Property Managers, Asmeret plays a key role in positively impacting the lives of our tenants. Read on to learn more about her story.

Can you share your professional journey and what brought you to your current role?

My professional journey started in 2006 when I joined American Property Management in the private sector. For as long as I can remember, I have aspired to work with a non-profit organization where I could genuinely impact people’s lives and contribute to the betterment of the community. This aspiration became a reality in 2014 when I discovered an opportunity with the Department of Families for Housing. By then, I had already celebrated numerous accomplishments and received various awards within the private sector, prompting me to reflect on what unique contributions I could offer to the non-profit world, weighing the benefits and challenges of such a transition. Ultimately, I accepted the position with the Department of Families for Housing, which proved to be quite a significant shift. Fast forward to January 2022, a new opportunity arose at OCH, and I have been enjoying my role and cherishing every moment since.

What have been effective ways to overcome barriers and help you achieve personal success?

I have found that self-belief and actively seeking mentorship opportunities are crucial. Maintaining a determined mindset and being willing to put in the effort is essential. I embrace challenges as they arise, refusing to avoid them and prioritizing taking action without procrastination. Taking responsibility for my actions, building a supportive network and keeping an open mind have also been instrumental in my journey.

What challenges have you faced in the corporate world as a black professional, and how have you overcome them?

While I may not have personal experience navigating the challenges faced by black professionals in the corporate world, I have had the privilege of learning from friends and colleagues who have shared their journeys with me. They have encountered obstacles such as implicit bias, limited access to mentorship and underrepresentation in leadership roles.

To overcome these challenges, I’ve seen them take proactive steps, such as actively seeking mentors who understand their experiences, building strong networks to support one another and advocating for themselves in professional settings. They also emphasize the importance of raising awareness about these issues within their organizations, fostering open dialogue and pushing for diversity and inclusion initiatives.

I strive to be an ally by listening, amplifying their voices and supporting efforts that promote equity and inclusion in the workplace. These shared experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the existing system barriers and the resilience required to overcome them.

How do you think your perspective as a black professional has shaped the way you approach your work?

As a black professional, my perspective is shaped by both my personal experiences and the broader context of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This background influences how I approach my work in several ways.

Firstly, I bring a unique viewpoint that allows me to see challenges and opportunities from different angles. This perspective encourages me to think creatively and consider solutions that may not be immediately obvious. I am also motivated to foster an inclusive environment where diverse ideas and voices are valued, as I recognize the importance of representation in driving innovation and collaboration.

Additionally, my experiences have instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and adaptability. I understand that challenges may arise, and I approach them proactively, seeking to learn and grow from each situation. I’m also more inclined to advocate for others, ensuring everyone on my team feels supported and empowered to contribute to our collective success.

Ultimately, my perspective as a black professional informs my commitment to excellence, collaboration, and inclusivity, and I believe these values not only benefit my work but also contribute positively to the overall culture of our organization.

What advice would you give to other black professionals navigating their careers?

As a black professional navigating my career, I would offer the following advice to others in similar positions:

1. Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Understand that your experiences and background provide you with a unique viewpoint that can be invaluable in the workplace. Don’t shy away from sharing your insights; they can lead to innovative solutions and enrich discussions.

2. Seek Mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and insight into navigating your career path. Look for individuals who understand your experiences and can offer advice on overcoming challenges specific to black professionals.

3. Build a Strong Network: Connect with other professionals in your field, both within and outside your organization. A strong network can provide opportunities, resources, and support when facing obstacles.

4. Advocate for Yourself: Be proactive in discussing your career goals and aspirations with your supervisors. Don’t hesitate to ask for opportunities, whether it’s a project that interests you or a chance for professional development.

5. Stay Resilient: Challenges and setbacks are part of any career journey. Cultivate resilience by learning from these experiences and remaining focused on your goals. Remember, setbacks are not a reflection of your worth or potential.

7. Promote Inclusivity: Advocate for diversity and inclusion within your organization. Engage in conversations about equity and work towards creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

8. Be Authentic: Stay true to yourself and your values. Authenticity not only fosters confidence but also encourages others to appreciate and respect your contributions.

Remember, your journey is unique, and while there may be challenges, your perspective and experiences are powerful assets in your professional growth. Keep pushing forward and supporting one another along the way.

What changes would you like to see in the workplace to make it more inclusive and supportive for black employees?

To create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for black employees, I would advocate for the following changes:

• Diversity and Inclusion Training: Implement comprehensive training programs that educate all employees about unconscious bias and the importance of diversity. This will help foster an environment of understanding and empathy.
• Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: Establish formal mentorship and sponsorship initiatives that connect black employees with leaders and mentors within the organization. This can help provide guidance, support, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Inclusive Recruitment Practices: Revise recruitment strategies to ensure that they actively seek diverse candidates. This could involve partnering with organizations that support underrepresented groups and utilize diverse hiring panels.
• Support the creation and funding of groups for black employees and other marginalized groups. These groups can provide a safe space for discussion, networking, and advocacy within the organization.
• Transparent Promotion Processes: Ensure that promotion criteria are clear and transparent and actively work to eliminate biases in performance evaluations. This will help ensure that all employees have equal opportunities for advancement.
• Culturally Competent Leadership: Encourage leadership to engage in ongoing education around cultural competence. Leaders should be equipped to understand and address the unique challenges black employees face.
• Celebration of Diversity: Actively celebrate and acknowledge cultural heritage and diversity within the workplace. Recognizing events such as Black History Month or hosting discussions around diversity can help foster a sense of belonging.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Create anonymous channels for employees to share their experiences and feedback regarding inclusivity in the workplace. This will help leadership identify areas for improvement and take actionable steps.

By implementing these changes, organizations can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that not only benefits black employees but enriches the entire workplace culture.

Is there a moment in your career you’re particularly proud of, and why?

One moment in my career that I am particularly proud of is the recognition I’ve received through multiple awards for my achievements. However, what truly fills me with pride is the impact I make on the lives of tenants and colleagues.

I find immense fulfillment when tenants appreciate my improvements in their living environments. Knowing that my efforts have made their homes more enjoyable and habitable brings me a profound sense of accomplishment. It’s rewarding to witness the positive changes firsthand and to hear that my work is making a difference in their daily lives.

Additionally, I take great pride in the relationships I’ve built with my employees and colleagues. When I see the positive influence I have on their professional growth and well-being, it reinforces my commitment to creating a supportive and collaborative workplace.

Ultimately, these moments of appreciation and the knowledge that I am contributing to a better environment for both tenants and my team are what I cherish most in my career. They remind me that my work goes beyond individual accolades and truly impacts the community around me.

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Black History Month is a moment of reflection and celebration. Can you share a black artist, musician, or author who inspires you and why?

Oprah has shown me the importance of perspective, the journey of self-exploration, connecting with others, and embracing a mindset focused on growth.

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” – Oprah Winfrey

“Follow your passion. It will lead you to your purpose.” – Oprah Winfrey