Celebrating Black History Month: Tarian’s Career Journey and Reflections
This Black History Month, we honor the theme “African Americans: Impact on the Workforce and Culinary Excellence,” celebrating the many African Americans who have shaped dining, cultural touchstones, sustainability, and our communities. Today, we are proud to spotlight Tarian West, a dynamic leader whose journey at Sodexo and within the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) exemplifies the power of growth, mentorship, and community.
Her Journey: From Intern to Communications Leader
Tarian West’s professional journey began as a sophomore intern at Sodexo, where she started as a Food and Beverage Management Trainee in the Healthcare segment in Laurel, MD. During her internship, she discovered her passion for marketing. Eager to learn, she sought out more marketing-related responsibilities, paving the way for her future career path.
Today, as a Social Media Specialist for Sodexo North America, Tarian leverages her expertise to manage digital platforms, support various Sodexo brands, and foster strong cross-functional relationships, from Talent Acquisition to on-site teams. Her growth is a testament to the opportunities and mentorship available within the organization.
Her involvement in key Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) has further enriched her professional journey. As a dedicated member of AALF, the Women of Color Community (WOCC), and the Allyance mentoring program focused on resilience and leadership agility, she has expanded her network and honed her leadership skills. Stepping into the role of National Communications Chair for AALF allowed her to give back to the community, using her marketing and communications expertise to create a safe, engaging space for growth, development, and support.
Tarian’s Reflections on Black History Month
Below, Tarian shares her reflections on what Black History Month means to her and offers insights on fostering inclusion and engagement in the workplace.
What does Black History Month mean to you personally and professionally?
“Black History Month to me means celebration. It is a time, though not the only time, to honor those who paved the way before me and those currently shaping history. It’s a moment to reflect on the richness of Black culture, beauty, progress, and innovation.”
As Communications Chair of AALF, what are the key goals or messages you hope to share this Black History Month?
“This year’s Black History Month theme is African Americans in the Workforce, which highlights the many ways work intersects with the collective experience of Black people. My key goals and messages for this month with the AALF community and beyond are to highlight the many talents of Black people through events featuring Black leaders across industries like hospitality, creative arts, health, wellness, and more. These events showcase that, while we all share similar origins, our unique ways of expressing ourselves and contributing to the world are boundless and deserving of recognition.”
How do you think employees across all backgrounds can engage meaningfully during Black History Month?
“Employees from all backgrounds can engage meaningfully during Black History Month in many ways. For those who are part of the EBRGs, I encourage attending AALF’s Black History Month events to connect, learn, and support the community. For the EBRG members and non-EBRG members, I also recommend taking the time to explore Black history through readings, discussions, or workplace initiatives. Getting involved in local or community events would be a great idea as well. Small actions such as listening, learning, and showing support go a long way in building and supporting all cultures and backgrounds in the workplace and beyond.”
Tarian’s journey from intern to leader and her involvement in AALF reflects the spirit of Black History Month. Her story highlights how individual growth contributes to a stronger, more inclusive community. By recognizing past achievements and fostering inclusivity, we can create a future driven by progress and innovation.
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