Christina Schelling, the Senior Vice President and Chief Talent & Diversity Officer at Verizon, recently participated in a momentous event commemorating 40 years of Verizon’s BOLD Employee Resource Group in honor of Black History Month. With her unwavering commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, Christina Schelling embodies the spirit of leadership and allyship, advocating for positive change within the corporate landscape. As a facilitator of engaging conversations and a proponent of personal and professional development, she continues to inspire and empower individuals to own their stories, embrace resilience, and amplify their voices for a brighter future.
During the event, Christina Schelling had the distinct privilege of moderating a panel discussion featuring esteemed members of Verizon’s Board of Directors, including Clarence Otis Jr., Shellye Archambeau, and Rodney Slater. This panel served as a master class on leadership, as each participant shared deeply personal insights gleaned from their career journeys, highlighting the importance of patience, resilience, and authenticity in navigating the complexities of the corporate world. Through their candid testimonies, they underscored the significance of creating one’s narrative, distinguishing setbacks from barriers, and embracing risk as a catalyst for growth and reward.
Amidst the wealth of wisdom shared during the panel discussion, Christina Schelling gleaned several key takeaways that resonated deeply with her own values and beliefs. She emphasized the importance of owning one’s story and building a strong network as essential components of career development. Furthermore, she underscored the distinction between minor setbacks and fundamental barriers, urging individuals to approach challenges with resilience and determination. Embracing risk as an integral part of the journey towards success, she echoed the sentiment that curiosity, allyship, and leveraging one’s power for positive change are essential for fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace environment.
For Christina Schelling, moderating this conversation was not only an honor but also a transformative experience that reinforced her commitment to fostering diversity and leadership within Verizon and beyond. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Clarence Otis Jr., Shellye Archambeau, and Rodney Slater for their invaluable contributions and candid reflections, which served as a source of inspiration and empowerment for all participants. Additionally, she extended special thanks to Wendy Taccetta for her poignant closing remarks, emphasizing the collective responsibility of creating opportunities for others and shaping a better tomorrow through inclusivity and allyship.
Reflecting on the event, Christina Schelling commended Sammy Drayton and the BOLD ERG for organizing a remarkable and impactful Black History Month celebration. She lauded the event for its ability to inspire, uplift, and educate participants, reaffirming her commitment to championing diversity and inclusion within Verizon and the broader community. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Christina Schelling pledged to continue her efforts to ensure that Verizon remains a great place to work for all employees, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, voices are heard, and opportunities for growth and advancement are accessible to all.
Christina Schelling’s participation in Verizon’s Black History Month event exemplifies her dedication to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the corporate landscape. Through her role as a facilitator, advocate, and leader, she continues to inspire individuals to embrace their unique stories, navigate challenges with resilience, and leverage their voices for positive change. As she embarks on the journey towards building a more inclusive tomorrow, Christina Schelling remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering a culture of belonging and empowerment, ensuring that Verizon remains at the forefront of diversity and leadership in the corporate world.
