Better Together: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Creating Inclusive Environments

About this Webinar:

Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon experienced particularly among highest achievers. It is the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved because of one’s own efforts or skills. It’s that sinking sense that you are a fraud in your industry, role or position, regardless of your credibility, authority or accomplishments (Dealing with Imposter Syndrome When You’re Treated As An Imposter. NY Times Kristin Wong 2018).

Imposter syndrome is often seen in minorities, women, first generation college graduates, and those in other marginalized groups and is exacerbated by racism, sexism, gender bias, etc. In this webinar we will further delve into the definition of imposter syndrome and the systemic dynamics of it, commit to owning who we are, and discuss creating environments where we combat imposter syndrome.

About our Presenter:

Jessica started her career at BMS in December 2023 as Senior Manager—Technical Operations for Veterinary Sciences. She has been in the field of biomedical research for the past 23 years. She began at Charles River Laboratories in 2002 and briefly worked on that contract until becoming a full-time employee at GlaxoSmithKline where she worked until 2015 when they closed the R&D operations in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Jessica became a long-term substitute teacher briefly before re-entering the field and becoming an animal care technician at Duke University. She then took a job as animal care technician and then trainer at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jessica completed the Leadership Training Program at UNC-CH as she has always been passionate about education and leading others. Soon after Jessica accepted a role as Facility Manager at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and after working there for three years moved on to Vanderbilt University as Cage wash manager. Jessica’s mother-in-law became ill, and her wonderful husband was adamant about not allowing his mother to go into a rest home, so their family moved to Oxford, NC, so her husband could take care of his mom. Jessica accepted a position as Assistant Operations Manager at Duke University. Her mother in-law-passed away nine months later, and Jessica began her job search, thus landing in Seattle, WA. As a former colleague once said, “she doesn’t let the grass grow under her feet.” Jessica is a Mental Health Ally lead for the Seattle site and looks forward to continuing to empower and educate others about mental health and destigmatizing mental health issues, especially in minority communities. She is also a co-lead for the Black Organization for Leadership and Development (BOLD).

Jessica has earned a B.A. in Political Science, Master of Public Administration, and B.S. in Family and Consumer Science with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations from North Carolina Central University. Go Eagles! She has also earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. Jessica is a servant leader and looks forward to continuing to serve others and “transform patients lives through science” in her day to day life.