Each year, the Corridor Business Journal shines a spotlight on young professionals who have made a meaningful impact on the region early in their careers. We are proud to introduce you to the 20th class of Forty Under 40 honorees, chosen by a committee of past honorees. Holly Stevenson Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and […]
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Holly Stevenson
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging | Optimae LifeServices
Age: 29
Family: Mother, Anne; father, Alan; cat, Whimper
Residence: Iowa City, Iowa
Hometown: Dundee, Scotland
Education: The University of Glasgow — Master of Arts in Philosophy; University of Iowa — Graduate Teaching Certification; Graduate Teaching Certification in Online
Teaching; Graduate Certificate in Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies; Master of Arts in Philosophy; Doctorate in Philosophy
What do you consider your “big break” in your career, so far? Optimae LifeServices took a chance on a young girl who needed a work visa in the middle of a pandemic. Although all of my colleagues very kindly tell me that I also took a chance on them, I can never express how grateful I am for them to have seen my potential and to get to come to work each day with the most wonderful group of people who I truly regard as family. Optimae’s tagline of “At Your Side. On Your Side.” was experienced by me from the very first day I was offered my position. My big break was finding such excellent people who share my values and a desire to do good in our communities. To wake up every day empowered and excited to work is something I will forever be grateful for and will never take for granted.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace? I think the concept of comparing generations and stereotyping a group of people is detrimental to workplace and societal progress. Instead, I think that these differences are opportunities to showcase strengths on a team and learn from each other. Diversity within a team is crucial for creativity, productivity and progress. However, I do believe my generation, on the whole, cares deeply about purpose and self-preservation. We want to feel like we are making a difference and that we can generate positive change by having our voices truly listened to. We also value self-care and are committed to setting positive boundaries to allow us to thrive both professionally and personally.
