BIRTHDAY OF THE DAY: Karina Cabrera Bell, co-founder of OpenAccess
How/where are you celebrating your birthday and with whom? “I will be in wine country in California with my husband and two daughters. I’ll be writing out my intentions for 2020 and drinking some good California wine, all while the world throws these huge parties with fireworks. All for me, right?”
How did you get your start in your career? “Former New York Comptroller Bill Thompson gave me my start in politics. I learned a lot. Local government is really on the frontlines of helping people with every issue, from potholes to pension funds. From there, I went on to work for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and in the Obama White House. Now I am a co-founder of OpenAccess, a talent strategy firm that works with companies to close the gender equity gap in the workplace. My firm places executive women in leadership roles and shapes workplace cultures where women can thrive.”
What’s an interesting book/article you’re reading now or you’ve recently finished? And why? “‘Diversity Inc.,’ a new book about diversity in elite institutions. It’s an eye-opening look at how so many of these efforts are falling short in truly changing the way business is done. It shows that we still have such a long way to go to level the playing field and we’ve got to take bold action.”
What’s a trend going on in the U.S. or abroad that doesn’t get enough attention? “Gender equity. Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions. Pay inequity endures, especially for women of color. Too many workplaces are still unfriendly to families. To me that is pretty outrageous. We can’t just wait for gender equity to solve itself. It requires more attention and action. And we can do more today.”
How’s the Trump presidency going? “Terribly. There are so many communities that are being hurt by the vitriol and hate coming out of the White House. Our nation deserves better.”
What’s a fun fact that people in Washington might not know about you? “Now that I am living in California, I’ve learned to appreciate nature. My East Coast friends will likely not believe this: I enjoy hiking, yoga and meditation.”
