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May 24, 2023

Diversity Champions | Dionne Cuello, Stacy Durbin and Katie Lappe - 025

Diversity Champions | Dionne Cuello, Stacy Durbin and Katie Lappe - 025

In this episode of Women Who Lead, you’ll be inspired by four women who have made great strides for diversity in their industries. Our host, Teresa Palacios Smith brings Dionne Cuello, Stacy Durbin, and Katie Lappe together for “un cafecito” and...

In this episode of Women Who Lead, you’ll be inspired by four women who have made great strides for diversity in their industries. Our host, Teresa Palacios Smith brings Dionne Cuello, Stacy Durbin, and Katie Lappe together for “un cafecito” and an opportunity to get to know one another better. Listen in to hear about the challenges they’ve faced and the amazing things they’re accomplishing.

Meet the Leaders

  • Dionne Cuello - Senior Vice President, National Diverse Market Segments, Citi
  • Stacy Durbin - President & General Manager, Semonin REALTORS
  • Katie Lappe - CEO, DirectOffer Inc.

Facing Personal or Professional Challenges

  • Stacy discusses finding her voice as a woman in leadership. Communication takes a balance of flexibility, strength, and being a “chameleon” in different situations.
  • Dionne has been confronted with anti-Chinese racism and has had to explain these situations to her young children.
  • Katie has struggled with impostor syndrome in male-dominated STEM fields. She has learned not to overwork herself in an attempt to prove her worth to others.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

  • Katie is currently in South France surrounded by top scholars in her industry. It’s out of her comfort zone, but she tells herself, “I’m supposed to be here,” which helps!
  • Stacy challenges herself to have conversations with diverse groups of people and asks questions that she may not like the answers to. She commits to learning from people with different backgrounds from her own.

Leaders’ Favorite Books

 Leaders’ Favorite Quotes

  • Katie: “Love thyself, not thy idol.” Bible verse
  • Dionne: “You are where you are in life because of what you believe is possible for yourself.” - Oprah Winfrey
  • Stacy: “Who you’re with matters.” Company motto

When you help another woman rise, we all shine. And that’s how we make an impact. So let’s build each other up, and shine brighter than the sun. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook, and subscribe to her YouTube channel. You can find more episodes of Women Who Lead on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else podcasts can be found.

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