Navigating the corporate world: 5 lessons from Demecia, Sr. Manager, DE&I
- Stryker
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
Have you ever wondered what it takes to thrive in corporate America as a first-generation professional? For many, the path can feel uncertain, filled with unique challenges and hard-earned triumphs. For Demecia, it was a journey of resilience, curiosity and determination—a journey that transformed her life and career.
At just 19 years old, Demecia faced a turning point in her life, realizing she wanted to break into a career path. Growing up without examples of people in corporate roles, she wanted to try something different. Her search led her to Stryker, where the promise of a supportive and dynamic culture caught her attention.
“I came to interview at Stryker weary and brokenhearted,” she recalls. At the time, she was navigating personal loss and uncertainty about her future. Yet from the moment she stepped into the building, she felt something different—a sense of warmth, support, and possibility.
Close to two decades later, Demecia is now Senior Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) at Stryker. Her impressive career spans HR, RA/QA, supply chain and DE&I leadership. More than climbing the corporate ladder, her journey has been about writing her own story and helping others see what’s possible.
Here are five lessons Demecia has learned about navigating and thriving in the corporate world:
Curiosity opens doors to opportunity
When Demecia began her career, she approached the unfamiliar world of a corporation with fearless curiosity and an open mind. “I didn’t understand the corporate environment, but I wasn’t afraid to try,” she shared. “Curiosity brought me here, and I let that curiosity guide my career.”
This curiosity unlocked unexpected opportunities, from transitioning out of a call center role to HR, exploring supply chain and ultimately finding her passion in DE&I leadership.
“Exposure is powerful,” she emphasized. “It helped me see my strengths and align my career path.” By seeking new experiences, shadowing colleagues and embracing challenges, she discovered roles that matched her strengths and passions.
Reflecting on the journey, Demecia shared, “When you don’t have all the answers, curiosity can be your superpower. It keeps you open to opportunities you didn’t know existed.”
Perseverance turns challenges into growth
Demecia’s journey was far from easy. Growing up in poverty, becoming a parent at a young age and balancing multiple jobs while attending college full-time taught her to rely on grit and determination.
“I didn’t get here on my own,” she said. “It wasn’t luck or strategy. It was hard work, faith and perseverance.”
When she joined Stryker, she was grieving the loss of her daughter and facing eviction. Yet, she used these hardships as fuel to succeed. “There’s nothing in the corporate world that can break me because I’ve already endured so much. I was built for this.”
For Demecia, challenges have always been opportunities in disguise. “Every setback was a setup for a comeback,” she said. By reframing obstacles as growth opportunities, she developed resilience and a problem-solving mindset. “Each challenge taught me something that made me a better professional and person,” she reflected.
Her advice? Don’t let challenges define you—let them drive you forward.
Relationships matter
Leaders and mentors played a pivotal role in shaping Demecia’s career.
“There were people who saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself,” she said. Early on, a senior manager encouraged her to pursue higher education and supported her decision to change her major to business. “She breathed life into me and opened so many doors.”
Over time, other mentors guided her through challenges, built her confidence and advocated for her involvement in key projects. These intentional relationships and developing of skills helped her take on new roles.
Her advice? Seek out mentors, ask for feedback and let others help guide you. “Mentors can help you navigate challenges, discover your potential and open doors you didn’t know existed.”
Authenticity drives impact
Early in her career, Demecia felt torn between expectations.
“Early in my career, I struggled with feeling like I didn’t fully belong in any space,” she shared. Over time, seeing others thrive by being true to themselves gave her the confidence to embrace her identity and show up authentically.
“For years, I always wore my hair the same way, covered my tattoos and talked about my education to validate myself,” she reflected. “But now, I focus on making an impact.”
Embracing her authenticity allowed her to shift from fitting in to standing out. “I used to care what people thought when I walked into a room. Now, I care what they think when I walk out.”
Success means paving the way for others
For Demecia, success isn’t just personal—it’s about creating opportunities for others.
“It’s about creating new paths for others to follow,” she shared. Drawing from her own experiences, she’s committed to breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for future generations.
“I’m working to change the narrative and open doors for those who come after me,” she explained. “I focus on creating a positive impact for my family and others like me. When people see different ways to succeed, it shows them what’s possible.”
Through mentoring, advocating and driving inclusive initiatives, Demecia is building a legacy of empowerment and inclusion. “Helping others succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”
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