The year 2020 has presented unique challenges and interruptions across all aspects of our lives, but it does not stop us from celebrating the various accomplishments and achievements of women leaders of color! Throughout the month of August, we will spotlight these amazing women and share their unique perspectives, philosophies, and stories.

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Traci Lee is a Senior Public Policy Manager at Lyft. Her duties include overseeing and developing Lyft’s legislative, regulatory, and political strategy at the state, provincial, and local levels in California. She advocates and represents Lyft in all interactions with elected government officials and staff. This includes providing testimonies in hearings and advocating for policies that support the growth of ride-sharing.

Prior to working for Lyft, Traci worked as an Assistant District Attorney for seven years. As a licensed attorney in California she worked closely with the law in the public service sector. She has worked at many offices including: U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington D.C., the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

When asked about her journey to success, Traci had some key pieces of wisdom to share:

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Throughout your leadership journey, from your first job to your current position, what are some key lessons you’ve learned that have shaped you as a leader?

Traci Lee: Trust the people you work with: When teammates feel that they’ve been entrusted with responsibility and been given the latitude to make decisions that matter, more often than not, they rise to the occasion. It’s critical to foster a sense of belonging, respect, and trust in those with whom you work so that together, everyone feels that they’re contributing meaningfully and performing to their full potential.

We all started somewhere: Always remember where you came from and how you got started. It’s easy to forget that on the path to success, once we’ve hit a certain point or level in our careers, that it took many failures and maybe even alternate paths, to get where we are today. While we can, at times, become impatient with those who are still learning, never forget the challenges you faced and your own hard work. (We’ve all been through it!) Let that serve as a reminder to have compassion and empathy and to be a resource for support if you see someone struggling. At the end of the day, everyone is trying their best.

Uplift others: Giving a compliment never hurt anybody! Holding space to celebrate someone else’s accomplishments and efforts pays off in dividends. To make others feel seen, heard, and valued is one of the best gifts a leader can give.

Who are some women that have inspired you?

TL: My mother. She is a strong yet kind woman. She worked tirelessly my entire childhood and exposed me to the courtroom, where I first developed my interest in and passion for the law. She’s taught me to be fierce but compassionate, serious but still fun-loving. Most importantly, she’s always emphasized the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships – whether personal or professional. You never know who you’ll run into again later on in life or when you’ll need help, so be kind to others as the world is often smaller than you think.

Every person faces their own challenges and women of color are certainly no exception. What contributes to your resilience as a professional woman of color?

TL: Making friends out of colleagues. With the amount of time we find ourselves working, finding and creating allies in the workplace is especially important. Relationships built on openness, honesty, and trust are always a recipe for success, and relationships with colleagues are no exception. When I’m having a particularly stressful or difficult time at work, I find myself really leaning on the people who see me (mostly) everyday. They understand the daily trials and tribulations and often share the same frustrations or sentiment. It’s nice to feel that I always have people in my corner who understand exactly what I’m going through, and having that support makes all the difference in being able to pick back up and move forward.

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

TL: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Learn to make room for professional and personal growth through embracing unfamiliar situations or challenges.

What podcasts are you listening to and/or books are you reading?

TL: Currently reading 10% Happier by Dan Harris and Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss.