How Identity Has Influenced an Associate Director Digital Media Optimization at a Pharma Company's Career
Amir's Jewish faith has shaped their career by fostering understanding of diverse religious practices, leading them to advocate for inclusive workplace policies that accommodate religious observances; this includes taking time off for holidays like "Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah," and educating colleagues about less widely known Jewish holidays, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of legal protections for religious freedoms.
Religious Observances in the Workplace, Work-Life Integration, Advocacy for Religious Diversity, Leadership and Management, Respect for Religious Practices
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Amir Hemmat
Associate Director, Digital Media Optimization
Top-3 US Pharma Company
Yeshiva University, 2014
N/A
Marketing
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Amir's observance of Jewish holidays has led him to develop an appreciation for and advocacy of other people's religious practices and the right to take time off for religious observance.
2. Amir's experiences have highlighted the importance of having a strong voice in advocating for religious rights in the workplace, both for himself and for others.
3. Amir's perspective showcases the diversity of religious practices within Judaism and how navigating these practices in the workplace can enhance understanding and inclusivity.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as Jewish, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
I am Jewish and a practicing Jew. I observe the major holidays.
There's no single way to observe or be Jewish. There are many different ways, but I take off for holidays like Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and Passover. Sometimes I take off for more ambiguous Jewish holidays, which leads to questions from my managers.
This has given me an appreciation for other people's religions and practices. It's also made me want to learn more about them and advocate for those people.
Everyone has the right to take time off for a holiday, whether it's for a few days or to be with family and practice their beliefs. This is also my right. So, I always need to have a strong voice about this.
Thankfully, it's not usually a problem because our country has laws to help people with religious practices. Overall, it’s about learning more about other people's religions and practices and advocating for them as much as possible, for myself and for them.