Chase Bank Associate Speaks on Inclusivity
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 10/30/20
Djenabou Barry’s parents left West Africa as refugees and settled in the United States to give their children a more promising life. Despite coming from a foreign country, she learned English within 7 months, graduated at the top of her high school, and later went on to pursue higher education.
A daughter of a hard-working entrepreneur and a politician, Djenabou always had a dream to become a lawyer or advocate for others. Living in America as a Black, immigrant, and Muslim female came with a plethora of challenges, but it did not deter her from the goals she set for herself.
At the age of 17, she began working at a daycare where the majority of the kids were White. On two different occasions, a White kid told her that she looked like a monkey. For months, she could not sleep because of the kid’s comment. After working there for 3 years, she left the job, hoping that she could find employment in an environment that would not demean her.
Shortly after, she found an internship at a foundation that invested in poor daycares. She described the executive as abusive overtime. After 4 months of working there, she was fired. Djenabou was so happy to be fired because she could no longer bear working with that executive.
While studying Liberal Arts and Science at Gutnam Community College, she established the first Muslim Student Association and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Also at Gutnam, she was a part of a program that connected students with employers. It was through that program she landed a job working as a Bank Associate at Chase. Later, she transferred to City College, where she majored in Political Science and minored in Legal Studies, and served as Treasury for UMAAN — a program that aids Black students in their journey of seeking scholarships and gaining career opportunities.
Since she began working as a Bank Associate at Chase, she feels valued and respected in her workplace. Her job involves having direct contact with customers, therefore she must always seek ways to improve the customers' experience/service. “You have to have empathy, be a person who cares about other people and their situation,” Djenabou expressed about what it takes to be a Bank Associate.
She hopes to also work behind the scenes and introduce ways to make the workplace at Chase more inclusive.
In 2018, she studied abroad in Ecuador. While in Ecuador, she and other students stayed in the Itapoa Rainforest for a week and conducted ecosystem science research for NASA and CCNY. That experience helped her connect with nature and develop an appreciation for it. This January, she studied abroad in Argentina and had the opportunity to learn about human rights and revolutionary women. Studying abroad also taught her how to adapt to different people, food, and music.
This year, she joined the organization “Strategy for Black Lives” and took part in protesting against the police brutality that claimed the life of George Floyd and many other Black folks. Through this initiative, she feels as though she is on the path to doing what she is passionate about— advocating for others. The organization gives members an opportunity to communicate with other activists, conduct interviews and organize fundraisers and protests.
Djenabou Barry’s friend (whom she shares the same first and last name with) describes her: ”She is one of the most ambitious and caring people I know. She cares about not only her loved ones but also social issues. I went to my first protest because of her, she is always in the front lines when it comes to protesting against social injustices. I know one day she would make a great leader.”
Currently, Djenabou is pursuing her Masters in Public Administration and believes that one way to provide better opportunities for Black people is by being present in rooms where decisions are made. ”We need us in high positions, every position as we want to bring change: gender equity and race equity,” Djenabou expressed.
Unafraid to stand up for herself and others, Djenabou’s success story teaches us to stand firm in what we believe and to keep taking steps that move us closer towards our goals. And, when we don’t feel comfortable or respected in the workplace, we can always find an alternative that suits us.
Welcome to Djenabou’s World
“Unity for me means no matter your race, gender, ethnicity, religion, we will all come together and build a strong nation that values human rights with better opportunities available for everyone. A community that will stand up for each other and embrace their differences. ”
“Be yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others.”
“A strong woman has a vision, and is setting a plan for herself and achieves her goals.”
“Success is good health. Family. Faith.”
“We need us in high positions, every position as we want to bring change: gender equity and race equity.”
Connect with Djenabou:
Instagram: @d_jenaboubarry02_
LinkedIn: Djenabou Barry
Email: dbarry001@citymail.cuny.edu
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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