Today we’d like to introduce you to Davia Lassiter.
Hi Davia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an accidental business owner! I’d always relied on full-time employment for stability, but encouragement from family and friends have really propelled me to new levels. By relying on my skills, talents, and passions, I’ve ventured into new territory and gained a new level of professional freedom.
The Lassiter Firm, LLC, was launched in 2018 and I provide resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn services. Since that time, I have expanded my services to include marketing consulting and copywriting for a variety of client needs.
In the midst of my PhD studies at Georgia State University, I was inspired to launch my website (iamdrlassiter.com) in 2021. This is a reflection of my initials (DRL) as well as the pursuit of my terminal degree. The site is an extension of my LinkedIn profile and includes a blog, my portfolio, and opportunities for people to contact me for speaking engagements and more. I am also venturing into the content creation space. This definitely got me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to connect with so many more people!
I’m grateful for the first 15 years of my career journey and am excited about this new path. Everything happens for a reason, so I choose to rebuke fear and embrace growth.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been smooth but it has been rewarding! I was working full-time in the office until the pandemic hit and found myself resigning from that position 1 year later. This signaled a turning point in my life and I leaned into what I had already accomplished and stepped out on faith to continue my journey. I am grateful for my family and friends who empowered me to recognize my worth during a time when I was doubting my every move.
Anytime you take a risk, there is a bit of uneasiness that comes along with it. Nevertheless, opportunities to do so happen in your life for a reason. So … just go for it! You’ll never know how far you can take yourself unless you try.
Stability might feel good, but freedom tastes so much sweeter.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am really proud of iamdrlassiter.com and my accompanying online content on social media and via email. I wanted to put a spotlight on Black women at work. Additionally, I wanted to initiate conversations about BIPOC women and leadership.
I spent more than a decade in leadership positions in news media, education, and government. While I experienced professional success, I was also suffering from emotional distress. Being the “only one” — woman, Black woman, woman of color, etc. — can be a very isolating experience if you are subjected to workplace trauma in the form of microaggressions. It’s even worse when you are unprotected and unsupported.
Being unprepared for the intersection of racism and sexism can be psychologically damaging. I launched my site to share information and to create a safe space for these women. I also teach leadership and business at Georgia State University in the WomenLead program. This program sheds light on gender inequity and I am able to utilize my experiences, research, and course content to prep the next generation of leaders.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There’s not enough room to thank everyone who continues to uplift and encourage me. From my family to my best friends, close friends, and professional network, I am so fortunate to have a village rooting for me.
Having people in my life who speak positivity into me means everything. Sometimes, we are not in space to see the other side of things. I’ve been there many times.
That is when the village comes in, lifts you up, and walks with you. The journeys in our lives are not meant to be experienced alone. Being vulnerable with the people who love you the most is always the right thing to do. Let them love on you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamdrlassiter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdrlassiter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdrlassiter
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamdrlassiter/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamdrlassiter
Image Credits
Full Of Flava Photography
