How Identity Has Influenced a Partnerships Team Lead at Okendo's Career
Adena's first-generation immigrant background and identity as a woman in technology instilled a subconscious drive to "prove" themself, navigating a path that balances traditional family values with a strong desire for personal achievement and freedom. This internal conflict fuels their ambition to "continue rising and growing," demonstrating that both traditional expectations and individual aspirations can coexist.
Overcoming Challenges, Leadership, Women in Technology, Immigrant Experiences, Motivation
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Adena Merabi
Partnerships Team Lead
Okendo
UCSB
UCLA
International Relations & Affairs
Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient
Video Highlights
1. Adena's immigrant background instilled in her a strong work ethic and desire to prove herself, driving her career success.
2. She emphasizes the importance of balancing traditional family values with personal ambition and pursuing her own definition of success.
3. Adena highlights the challenges and rewards of navigating a career in technology while upholding personal values rooted in her cultural heritage, offering valuable insights for students from similar backgrounds.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a first-generation [unclear] born in the US and a woman in technology, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
That's a great question. I have always had something to prove because of that. Subconsciously, it's not something I've ever really identified, like, "Oh my God, I have something to prove, that's why I do what I do."
But I think growing up in a pretty traditional Iranian immigrant family, who also happens to be Jewish, there are a lot of traditional things that come into play. Things like getting married are a huge value, as is doing what you're told and following the rules.
These are all great things, and I think those are values that I also hold. But I value my freedom and my own success. I value my ability to make myself proud through things I've achieved on my own.
That's what keeps me going. There's no option to give up or stop. I want to continue rising and growing so I can keep providing that freedom to myself. I want to show that you can have both traditional things and the things you want that might be less in line with an immigrant family's expectations.
Immigrant families tend to come to the States, form their communities, and marry within them, very centered around the family and following rules. It's just different. I think that has really impacted how I view things.
Advizer Personal Links