Having authentic representation in our government is key. Kemba Hendrix, the Director of the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, works towards this goal and aims to create an inclusive environment with a diverse workforce in the House of Representatives. She devotes herself to establishing equal opportunity for all which is certainly noteworthy work.

Hendrix is an accomplished woman with a well-educated background from Xavier University and Howard University School of Law, who then went on to pursue a career in education, conflict resolution, and the implementation of equal employment opportunities. Prior to her appointment as Director of the office, she served as Director of the House Democratic Diversity Initiative and has worked within several federal agencies.

She’s a figure that we can all learn from. Discover some of the lessons she gained during the pandemic and throughout her career as a professional woman of color.

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What are the biggest lessons you are taking with you out of this pandemic? 

One of the lessons that I’m taking away from this pandemic is that some of the expectation we have for people at work are unrealistic and unforgiving. We should empower people more to pursue things like family and passions—those are the things I should lean into. 

Knowing the unique challenges that you have faced as a professional woman of color, what advice would you give to your younger self? 

Be more vocal. As a younger person and even sometimes now, I tend to prioritize the comfort and well-being of others over myself. If I could go back, I would not do that.