Black History Month 2023: Meet Destiny Williamson
February 23, 2023
-
3 Minutes
At TD Securities, we are committed to creating positive changes, championing an inclusive workplace and amplifying the voices of the next generation of TD talent. In celebration of Black History Month, we're spotlighting four rising Black colleagues, sharing how they kickstarted their careers with TD Securities and highlighting their experiences and the significance of this month to them.
This week, we're celebrating Destiny Williamson, an IT analyst in Technology, who joined TD Securities last year.
Tell us about your educational background. Where did you study?
I earned a bachelor's degree in Business and Technology and an associate's degree in Business Administration Management from SUNY Delhi University in New York. I had a great experience there and I loved the hands-on approach, learning every corner of technology, from coding to graphic design. My degree taught me the fundamentals of business which I think is what helped me to secure a role with TD Securities.
What attracted you to TD Securities and how has the experience been so far?
Overall, my experience at TDS has been amazing. This is my first corporate job out of school and I was intimidated to join such a prestigious firm but my team has been incredible. I was welcomed from day one and encouraged to network and interact with colleagues across our team and the dealer.
I think TD also does a great job in the diversity and inclusion space. In the time that I've been here, I've seen the dealer walk the walk. I've seen how the firm celebrates and advocates for a range of diverse groups, taking action so that every colleague feels included. I'm looking forward to getting more involved with the different programs available, like the Black Experience Committee's new mentorship program.
I think TD also does a great job in the diversity and inclusion space. In the time that I've been here, I've seen the dealer walk the walk. I've seen how the firm celebrates and advocates for a range of diverse groups, taking action so that every colleague feels included. I'm looking forward to getting more involved with the different programs available, like the Black Experience Committee's new mentorship program.
As a young Black leader, what aspirations do you have for yourself?
My greater goal is to consistently put my best foot forward. I want to make my mark at TDS and allow myself to not only grow and learn, but also to give back and make a positive impact And I want to inspire others to do the same.
There are so many obstacles in life that can make or break you. I want to be an example to others who, like me, have overcome so much. I want to show other young women and members of my community that we can all do things we didn't we think we could. To me, that's what March Forward is all about: not letting anything stand in your way, going after your dreams and achieving your goals, despite the challenges.
There are so many obstacles in life that can make or break you. I want to be an example to others who, like me, have overcome so much. I want to show other young women and members of my community that we can all do things we didn't we think we could. To me, that's what March Forward is all about: not letting anything stand in your way, going after your dreams and achieving your goals, despite the challenges.
Which Black leader inspires you the most?
I am most inspired by Ruby Bridges, a life-long racial justice activist and the first Black child to desegregate the school system in Louisiana. She had to be escorted by U.S. Marshalls every morning, and yet she didn't let that stand in her way of going after what she wanted. She had to overcome many obstacles in life and her example is a reminder that we do what we must to achieve justice and pursue our dreams.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me, Black History Month is a time to celebrate our culture and show love to one another. While it is a time to reflect and remember, it's also a time to celebrate and introduce others to our culture as well.
