Women Making History Today: Aliah Davis-McHenry
It’s Women’s History Month and there are so many amazing women to acknowledge and thank for paving the way for those of us here today. The torch is continually passed but there is no end in sight. Women will always fight to make the world better, people happier, and break barriers.
I wanted to focus this month on women doing just that - breaking barriers, proving their resilience, and making history today. I start my interview series with Aliah Davis-McHenry. Aliah is not only a powerhouse in marketing and branding as well as fashion and wellness, but a mom, fashionista, itinerant, and art connoisseur. I’ve watched her grow over the last decade+ in both career and personal life and it’s been inspiring to see her strides. Here’s more about Aliah and why she’s making history.
You’ve received a lot of awards and great recognition but one that caught my eye is the "Changemaker" at the White House’s State of Women Summit. Can you expand on what that award was for?
This is definitely one of my proudest moments. I was nominated as a Changemaker at the White House’s State of Women Summit for my work in digital and being part of the change I want to see in the world—which includes work towards narrowing the wage disparities for women and people of color—and amplifying my voice using technology and social media.
In the last year, the world has seen a lot of political and social unrest. How has the last year changed you, if at all? What would you like people to know about what it’s like to live as a black woman in America?
Last year has changed me immensely. America has always been a state of political and social unrest but now more eyes are opened to the injustices. You can’t turn a blind eye when it is being videotaped in real-time. It is sad that it took so long for some people to recognize these injustices and how these injustices are part of larger systemic and structural issues.
Life as a black woman in America is challenging as we are at the intersection of racism and sexism. The senseless deaths due to racism weigh heavy. Those, coupled with the everyday racism and microaggressions, make me feel helpless and fearful - especially as a mother. There are times (read: most of the time) I feel mentally and emotionally exhausted and angry but I have to push through and put on a brave face for work and at home.
Being black, our culture, our experiences, our resilience—it has shaped me into who I am and I am very proud of the woman I have become. I focus on my activism and connect with like-minded individuals that want and demand change and no longer associate with those that do not. Ending these relationships has been especially hard.
You’re also a mom to two boys. What do you think is the most important lesson we can teach our kids in this unprecedented time in our history (COVID, etc.)?
That too shall pass. We are safe, healthy, have love and one another. It has been tough to watch my sons miss out on so much yet both are thriving during the pandemic. My oldest son should be away at college yet he is learning virtually and made a 4.0 and Dean’s List last semester. My younger son is also making excellent marks. They are trying to maintain some sort of social life, which proves to be difficult. Grades and social life aside, I want them to be mentally well and we have daily talks around mental health and well-being. Spending time together as a family has been paramount during this time.
How do you balance it all?
Balance is and always will be a unicorn! I don’t strive for balance but rather, fulfillment.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl. I have more energy, come up with more ideas, and thrive well in the evening and into the night. I wish I could be more of an early bird bit…I do have my early morning moments.
Do you have any mentors? If so, who and how have they helped you along the way? If not, who are some women who have inspired you in your career?
I call my mentors my Personal Board of Directors. This is a diverse squad that pushes me, offers different perspectives, provides me with lessons they have learned, and asks me those difficult, yet smart questions that have shaped my career journey. Not only do they support me but we support each other by sharing opportunities and making mental well-being checks.
How do you think women can better support each other?
Women who support other women are more successful. Period. I will never understand women that tear other women down. Raising each other up and collaborating helps in our collective power.
At work, women can help each other network, be a mentor or sponsor, and build other women up. Give other women their kudos in rooms they aren’t in! Everyone in the workplace can benefit from this supportive environment.
You and I met many moons ago at a PR event in New York City. Since then, we’ve been connected and I’ve enjoyed following your personal journey as well. As such, I’ve noticed you are quite the tastemaker when it comes to fashion, travel, and designing your new home. How have you kept in touch with these passions during the COVID era?
It does seem like many moons ago! I am so glad we kept connected and are able to follow each other’s professional and personal journeys. It is very important for me to continue to enjoy the things I love even during the pandemic. Shopping may have taken a back burner but I love staying on top of trends and adding pieces to my wardrobe for when the outside becomes a thing again. I miss travel and have been researching new places for my family to visit. We bought a new home during the pandemic so I have busied myself with projects like painting, buying and repurposing décor, and renovations.
What is your favorite app?
Right now TikTok, with Clubhouse coming in at a close second. TikTok has been a respite from every day and I enjoy the challenges, the tips, and the FUN. My family has benefitted from the new recipes I have tried but they aren’t thrilled with me partaking in the challenges.
What’s one piece of technology you can’t live without?
My iPhone. I can do everything on it. Well not everything, but most everything on it.
In your current role, you serve as a “dot-connector and change maker, leading key activities to accelerate and advance Cx programs.” Can you tell us what that looks like on a daily basis?
Every day is different, which I love. I thrive in an environment where I work on different capabilities and brands and I can flex my creativity and tech expertise, expand my skillset, and learn.
As the US Digital Growth Platform Acceleration Lead, I lead the development of key activities (approach, methodologies, frameworks, and tools) of new digital ecosystem strategies and execution to accelerate Cx programs. I play an integral role working across priority growth brands to connect (through Influencer and personalization enabled by CxM), drive brand commercial innovation, and expand reach to consumers.
On any given day, I can present to senior leadership, the Marketing organization, or brand teams on the results of an impactful Influencer campaign (and the future of Influencer Marketing) or on data acquisition when marketing in a cookie-less world. I meet with our agency partners and vendors in between strategizing sessions with my cross-functional and global partners as we build capabilities and plan for scale. I also execute the daily operations of these capability builds.
I’m committed to working with brands to develop an impactful consumer experience. My position at GSK allows me to unlock new opportunities to support and build relationships with our consumers. I live and breathe #consumerobsessed.
I know that you are also a big wellness and fitness advocate. Tell us a little bit more about that.
Yes, I am! For me, wellness isn’t only about eating healthy and exercising but it’s the products we use, the company we keep, and the thoughts we feed ourselves. My advocacy led me to create Fervent Wellness, a community for game-changing women over 30 determined to live well, follow their passions, and get paid what we are worth. Through a private Facebook group, blog, events, and podcast, Fervent Wellness empowers women to discover what truly fills them up. My podcast, Live Fervently, centers on business, wellness, and living a passion-filled life. I have been able to highlight diverse women on a variety of purposeful topics and can’t wait for a new season of podcasts to begin.
How do you find time to include fitness and wellness into your own busy schedule?
We have a home gym, which I honestly need to use a lot more often. I schedule my Peloton rides, meditation sessions, yoga practice, and strength training like they are appointments. I also give myself grace when I miss my scheduled workouts. I do miss going to the gym and yoga studio and look forward to getting back to “normal” and adding these wellness activities to my routine.
What’s one piece of advice you would give young girls today?
You are enough. You are so much more than enough. You are strong. You are unique. You are needed. You bring things to this world things no one else can.
This reads more like a motivational poster but this is something I hope every young girl hears.
Where can people stay in touch?
On Twitter @aliahpr
On LinkedIn Aliah (Davis) Davis-McHenry | LinkedIn
