Member Spotlight: Meet Mita Mallick
I am a passionate storyteller. As a kid, I loved watching commercials instead of actual tv shows (still do!) I loved going to the store with my mom, studying all the new packaging and products on the shelf, testing and trying new things. But as a kid, I didn’t see many stories being told that included people who looked like me. I was the funny-looking dark-skinned girl, with a long funny looking braid, whose parents spoke funny English. Until it wasn't funny anymore. I was bullied by my peers for years. And I just desperately wanted to fit in. I wanted to belong. I have spent over 15 years as a storyteller. Leading iconic brands like AVEENO, AVON Color Cosmetics, Chapstick, Vaseline, Suave, and Dove. Throughout my career, I have fought hard to ensure people like me are included. Ensuring Black and Brown people were represented in campaigns. Ensuring products we created were for all skin tones. Ensuring we were not reinforcing stereotypes. And a personal career high- signing Viola Davis to be our Vaseline Healing Project Ambassador.
I believe diversity of thought doesn’t happen without diversity of representation. When you have all those points of view, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds coming together around a table. Colliding, clashing, and collaborating- that’s when the magic happens. That’s when we come up with that one breakthrough innovative idea, campaign, innovation- to authentically and purposefully serve customers and communities. Now, in my first book "Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace," I am saying all the quiet parts out loud of what holds us back from making meaningful progress in this work. Some of my myths include: "I am all for diverse talent. As long as they are good." and "Of course we support women. We just extended maternity leave" and "These DEI efforts don’t benefit me. My voice as white man doesn’t count anymore." Each myth opens with a powerful story and then I leave us with practical and actionable advice and tips on how to show up differently to work. It's a must-have resource for anyone invested in building more inclusive cultures. Please pre-order my book today: https://a.co/d/cjgkxRN
Sally Wolf and Erin Halper introduced me to The Co-Co. I am excited to meet more purpose-driven women to see how we can help lift each other and support each other in our personal and professional endeavors.
