Consultant Shares Her Experience at Clarkston and Reflections for Black History Month and Beyond

Kennie, consultant at Clarkston, shared with us her career story and beautiful words about what Black History Month means to her during this February!

Black History Month 2024

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month aims to honor the contributions that Blacks have made and recognize the sacrifices.

For me, it is a time to reflect on the impact that pioneers of the Black community have had on our organization and cities, honoring it and laying foundations for the future.

I have big respect to the people and the events that have helped shape African American history and culture. And to the voices contributing daily, the achievements are worth celebrating every single day.

Kennie’s Career Story

How long have you been with Clarkston?

I have been with Clarkston for nearly two full years! I joined in June 2022.

What is your role at Clarkston?

I am a consultant, and my project is on IT qualification and validation within the life sciences space.

Tell us about a new skill you’ve developed recently.

I have developed some skills, majorly in the qualification and validation areas — analytical and project management as well. Clarkston has incredible experts to guide and learn from.​​

If you had to choose, which of Clarkston’s core values do you feel resonates with you the most?

It’s tough to pick just one but “Brilliant Client Service” and “Teamwork” have resonated with me the most due to Clarkston’s consistency in delivering the best of service and the collaboration with team performance and development. Coupled with this, I strongly believe our brilliant service is what makes Clarkston stand out from other firms.

Which internal initiatives, communities, or projects are you involved in at Clarkston? 

I am involved in several internal projects.

• Initiatives: The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives. I find it encouraging that Clarkston is emphatic on creating fair rights in the workplace and creating a comfortable space for the stewards to be their authentic selves.
• Community: SAP
• Groups: I am a member of the HBCU Recruitment group for our bootcamp program which came about as a result of the long-term DE&I goals.
• ERGs:
  • Black Stewards Network (BSN)
  • Women Empowerment Network (WEN+)

What advice would you give to someone starting at Clarkston?

• Do not hold back from asking for support and guidance.
• Be actively involved in internal projects and join communities to improve your networking visibility.
• Be invested in growing your skills.
• Explore the great wealth of internal resources.

Can you share some advice that someone at Clarkston has given you during your time here?

My partner advisor would tell me: “Remain confident in the face of a steep learning curve.” That has been my motto and a motivator. My client service partner is readily available for additional assistance. When in doubt, ask questions. The support is always there.

Tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had while working with a client.

My most memorable experience was when I got a shout out from the director to ‘request’ that I stay on the team.  It was a very humbling moment and a testament of the value I was providing.

I have established personal connections even while delivering brilliant service, so much that the client is confident that we are fully invested in their success.

Learn how you can develop your career at Clarkston here.