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My path into community management took a unique, non-linear route. I initially worked in higher education, held various roles, and then transitioned into the Edtech industry. While working in customer success, I discovered a deep passion for connecting people and fostering communities. I realized that wonderful things happen when a community comes together to share knowledge and experiences.

This interest led me to reach out to a Head of Community to learn more about the role. To my surprise, that conversation turned into a job opportunity, and within weeks, I was offered a position on her team. I chose to remain with my then-employer, eventually being promoted to the role of Head of Community, which was a dream come true in terms of the work I was doing. It was a dream position in terms of the work I was doing, but I felt that the company itself wasn't the perfect fit for me.

My journey eventually led me to Culture Amp, where I now lead our global HR community. So, in a nutshell, my journey into community management was a result of curiosity, a willingness to explore new opportunities and a deep-seated belief in the value of bringing people together to learn and grow.

One of the most significant challenges I've faced in my career has been championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In the United States, and sometimes beyond, DEI is often perceived as exclusively addressing issues within particular communities – like it's primarily a "black" issue. However, my belief is that DEI is a universal imperative that touches all our lives directly, regardless of our backgrounds.

Advocating for policies, practices, and cultures that genuinely embrace diversity and promote equity for all can be quite the uphill battle. It involves challenging prevailing misconceptions, shedding light on the far-reaching impact of DEI, and making it clear that it's not about favoring one group over another. It's about creating a more just and inclusive society where everyone, irrespective of their identity, has an equal opportunity to thrive.

Despite the challenges, I am committed to continuing this fight for DEI. I firmly believe that it's not only the right thing to do but also an essential step toward making organizations and communities more resilient and powerful. It's about ensuring that every individual, regardless of where they come from or who they are, has a rightful place at the table and the same opportunity to succeed.

My journey as a community professional has been all about embracing my identity as a lifelong learner. When I first stepped into my initial community manager role, I have to confess, I didn't have all the answers.I completely immersed myself in the world of community management. I became an active member of several community manager groups, did tons of research, and actively sought out interactions with fellow community managers I met in Slack communities and on LinkedIn.

I made it a point to attend countless webinars, workshops, and conferences. You name it, I probably did it. In essence, I became a knowledge sponge, soaking up every piece of information and wisdom I could find.Yet, despite all the effort, community management often feels like you're building the plane as you're flying it. In my early days, I definitely made my fair share of mistakes and faced some failures, but I quickly realized that these experiences were some of the most valuable teachers.

Learning from those stumbles allowed me to continuously refine my approach and get better at what I do. What's more, I've stayed deeply connected with my peers and made use of many resources to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field.

I don't have a favourite community platform, to be honest. Each platform I've come across offers something unique and valuable. However, I haven't encountered one that has completely wowed me to the point where I can say it's my absolute favourite.

One powerful strategy I'd recommend to boost member engagement is to have the courage to be vulnerable. At its core, community is all about creating a sense of psychological safety. When you're willing to be vulnerable first, it sets a powerful example for others to follow. This creates a ripple effect where members start to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and engaging with one another.

When people see you being open and vulnerable, it encourages them to do the same. It's about leading by example. By demonstrating that it's okay to share, ask, and express oneself, you create an environment where members feel safe to participate actively. You become a guide and a source of inspiration for them.

So, the key is to keep humanity at the heart of your community. While there are software tools that can aid in scaling and managing a community, they won't be effective in getting people to truly engage unless there's a genuine human connection and a culture of openness and vulnerability.

Community, for me, is all about folks who come together because they share common values, beliefs, and interests. It's that group of people who've got your back when things get tough, and the same crew who'll be your loudest cheerleaders when you're chasing after your wildest ambitious goals. It's that sense of camaraderie, shared goals, and mutual support that makes it special and powerful.

When I became a community manager, I had some amazing people in my corner, like Erin Owenby, David Spinks, Briegan Sims, and Phoebe Shin Venkat. They were the ones I could open up to, sharing both the highs and lows, knowing they'd always be there for me. They weren't just colleagues or mentors; they became trusted friends and allies who cheered me on through every twist and turn of my journey.

If you're just starting out in community management, here's some advice from my own experience. First and foremost, get comfortable with the idea that things won't always go according to plan. You'll try different approaches, and not all of them will work, but that's okay – it's all part of the learning process.

Don't hesitate to tap into your superusers for feedback; they can be a goldmine of insights. Treat your community like a product you're constantly refining. Think about the kind of experience you want to provide, gather feedback from your members, and make improvements based on that input.

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll often find yourself juggling the needs and wants of your organization with those of your community. You'll be like a bridge between the two. It can be tough, but always prioritize your community members' voices. Make sure they have a say in decisions that affect them. In the end, successful community management is about finding that balance between what your organization needs and what your members want.