Alecia Benson

We are officially 35 days away until the RenderATL (Render Atlanta) conference 🕙🎉 and I am beyond excited to go to Atlanta and fellowship with other techies. Here’s a few sessions that I am looking forward to attending: 1. Beyond Code Generation: The Future of Design Systems with AI - Jina Anne will deep dive into how AI can improve user experiences by creating personalized and adaptable UIs. They will also address ethical considerations and share examples of how AI could make our design systems more meaningful. 2. Who you build for matters - Katelyn Nnake and Avantha Arachchi host a fireside chat-style session to discuss how to make your products and services fit in a crowded landscape, building with a customer-first mindset, finding product-market fit, and the importance of looking where others don’t to find your audience. 3. How Generative AI is Changing the Game for Productivity and Creativity - Anthony Kerr will teach you how to leverage AI to supercharge your productivity and unleash your creativity. Additionally, we will explore a range of applications and products powered by generative AI, demonstrating their potential to assist you in achieving your professional and personal ambitions. Visit https://lnkd.in/gfFwra4M to get the full list of speaker sessions. Don’t wait too late! Get 15% off of your ticket by using the code "Ambassador" #RenderAmbassador #RenderATL #RenderATL24 #RenderAmbassador24

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🎓 At 20 years old, I graduated from Florida State University - College of Business and began my career at Southwest Airlines. At 21, I've already gained a year’s worth of invaluable lessons. If you’re a new graduate entering the full-time corporate world, here are some insights from my experience: 1️⃣ Choose a company that nurtures holistic growth. Leaders at Southwest Airlines excel in this area! 2️⃣ Becoming a superstar takes time and experience. Don’t burn yourself out trying to build Rome in a day. Embrace grace! 3️⃣ Age does not determine your contribution; your willingness to contribute does. 4️⃣ You’re going to make mistakes. Own them, learn from them, and push forward. When you learn, you win in the end. 5️⃣ Being kind and building workplace relationships makes a HUGE difference! Do it! 6️⃣ Most importantly: You belong, you’re smart, you’re capable, and you can make a difference. Don’t let imposter syndrome slow you down. I hope this helps someone on their journey! Cheers to a year at Southwest! 🥳 #careeradvice #collegegrad

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🚨 New Episode out now 🚨 #fatherhood #parenting #blackfathers #parentingtips #dadlife #Blackfathersmatter #blackdadsmatter

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Last week, I had the privilege of attending the National Black MBA Association Conference in Washington, D.C., and it was extraordinary! It was a week filled with professional development, meaningful networking, and events by and for Black professionals, all centered on "Driving Excellence, Empowering Transformation: AFFIRM 2024.” Standout moments:  ✨ Connection – While our careers grow through hard work (and luck), the relationships we nurture along the way are just as critical. It's clear that the power of connection goes beyond business—it's about community. 🎤 Entrepreneurs pitching their ideas in a competition was a true reminder of the innovation and brilliance in our community. 🖤 The richness of Black culture and the affirmation of Black history, traditions, and contributions were celebrated at every turn.  🧠 Workshops on strategic thinking and self-care offered practical tools to empower us to be intentional about our growth, both personally and professionally. Key takeaways: ✨ Maintain intellectual curiosity and always “know your stuff.” ✨ Be clear about who you are—don’t blend in; stand out with authenticity. ✨ Affirm yourself - your knowledge, expertise, and unique strengths matter. ✨ Never shrink yourself - your authentic self is enough, and your differentiators are your superpowers. This experience was a beautiful reminder to never give up what makes me unique. I am “built different,” and that is my strength. I'm excited to take these lessons forward, continuing to grow, inspire, and lead with authenticity and purpose.   #NBMBAA #BlackExcellence #Leadership #Authenticity #StrategicMindset #ExecutivePresence

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Here's a reflection piece: At Local governments primary school, Imeki, Ogun Water-side As I stand outside my rural classroom, I'm reminded of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with teaching in this beautiful, yet remote, community. I checked my watch, anticipating the arrival of my students from diverse backgrounds, each with their own story,struggles, and aspirations. As they arrive, I greet each student with a smile, asking about their morning. These moments matters, forging connections that transcend academics. My goal extends beyond imparting knowledge; I aim to: 1. Inspire curiosity and creativity. 2. Foster resilience and adaptability. 3. Cultivate critical thinking and problems solving. Rural education comes with its own set of challenges but as my students settle in, we'll explore new concepts, confront challenges, and celebrate successes. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of growing up, learning, and thriving in this unique environment. Today, I'll make an impact, one student at a time. Teach For Nigeria

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I am exhilarated to embark on my journey with Zion Tech Hub’s Data Analytics Mentorship! I’m honored to officially join Cohort 6.0 of the Zion Tech Hub Data Analytics Mentorship Program. This marks the commencement of a transformative 3-month journey filled with learning, professional growth, and unparalleled opportunities. In recent days, I participated in the Onboarding Webinar Series, where esteemed industry leaders imparted their invaluable insights and experiences. Here are a few key takeaways: 🎙️ Sid Ghani – Preparing for Data Analytics in the Real World: "The integration of practical experience with theoretical foundations is paramount for achieving success in data analytics." 🎙️ Favour Ibude – Building a Successful Career in Data Analytics: "Strategic networking and a commitment to lifelong learning are critical for navigating and excelling in this dynamic field." 🎙️ Godsent Ndoma – Leveraging Teamwork to Make the Dream Work: "Effective collaboration and clear communication within teams can significantly elevate project outcomes and drive innovation." This program promises to be both challenging and rewarding, and I am resolutely committed to maintaining consistency and perseverance throughout the mentorship. I am confident that the dedication I invest will yield substantial dividends, and I eagerly anticipate evolving into the best version of myself in the realm of data analytics. Here’s to new beginnings and to concluding 2024 equipped with a robust set of valuable tech skills! 🙌 #DataAnalytics #LearningJourney #ZionTechHub #Mentorship

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Who's in your corner? My network and the dynamics of my relationships looks 180° different from what it was a year ago, and that's by design. When I laid out my vision for the year last fall, I had big goals and intentions in mind and that meant that the people and environments I chose to be in had to be different. Because what got you here, won't get you there 🛫 One of my biz besties, Julie Bennett, a close friend from my early Boeing days when we were juggling babies and big jobs, has been on this journey with me. While our friendship remains strong, its dynamic has evolved tremendously. We've supported each other through significant professional transformations - she's building #LemonadeStanders!, and I'm expanding my consulting practice. Our relationship exemplifies how connections can grow and adapt as we level up, proving that it's not always about changing your circle, but elevating within it. 🍋 If you have a curious kiddo eager to learn about entrepreneurship, check out her upcoming free 'learn to earn' challenge. It's a game-changer for young minds! My kids loved it: https://lnkd.in/eaYhCker 🍋 Who do YOU want to be and who are you becoming? Now is a perfect time to lay the groundwork for the next best version of yourself for your work-life, and curate a tribe that helps you get there. Why? Well, first: just because "why wait?", but also: we are approaching the last 100 days of 2024, and now is a great time to use the momentum of the last push of the year, to set us up for big things. You with me? Your network has the most significant impact on who you are and where you're going. Some fast facts: 🔹 Leaders with strong social connections are 2.3 times more likely to be engaged in their jobs, boosting leadership effectiveness. 🔹Executives with diverse professional networks make more innovative decisions, leading to a 17% increase in company performance over 3 years. 🔹Professionals with strong, diverse networks are 45% more likely to be high performers and report 31% higher levels of job satisfaction. Also…your circle of influence directly impacts your happiness–which, as we know, is contagious, and spreads like wildfire through your network. We're talking a *25% boost for your inner circle, 10% for their connections, and get this - even a 5.6% lift for your network's extended reach. Bring it on 🤩 So: Are you surrounding yourself with the kind of people who light you up, challenge you to be your ( next) best self? It's not just about feeling good (though that's a pretty sweet perk), it’s also about leveling up your entire game - professionally and personally 👑 Let’s be selective, and embrace the life upgrade in the process!!! 🚀 #NetworkEffect #LeadershipGrowth #ProfessionalEmpowerment Sources: [1] Gallup, 2022 [2] Strategic Management Journal, 2022 [3] Harvard Business Review, 2022; *British Medical Journal, 2008

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Day 2 of National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC) conference. Here's some things I learned today! ⭐ Apprenticeship is so important and making an impact in people's lives! (I already knew that but I heard it a lot today). ⭐ Educators and employers have an opportunity to tap into talent by making their training and recruiting programs accessible and inclusive especially for neurodiverse talent. ⭐ Quantum computing is a skill that will be in increasing demand and we have an opportunity to be ready when it is by doing training now. ⭐Robots are cool! and you don't need a degree to program them! Thanks to Universal Robots for the cool demonstration and answering all my questions!

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