50% Black, 50% Latino and 100% Awesome – A Dream Realized

Amaly Homer, our Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging Leader reflects on what #MLKDay means to her.?

Many years ago, one of my sons told his elementary school teacher that he was “50% Black, 50% Latino and 100% awesome.” That story always makes me smile because I am reminded of the progress we are making as a community, and the mark I hope to make at Marsh McLennan.?A mark that contributes to making this an organization where everyone can feel like what makes them different is makes them awesome – never less than.

This year I am celebrating my 20-year anniversary at Marsh McLennan.?Throughout my two decades here, I have had a myriad of opportunities to learn and grow.?I have served in strategic and leadership capacities in client management, private equity, marketing and sales.?At Mercer, I worked to advance healthcare and retirement outcomes for our clients and served as Chief of Staff to Julio Portalatin, the first Latino President and CEO of that business.

Now after several years serving on racial and ethnic diversity groups across our global businesses, I am helping build Marsh McLennan’s enterprise inclusion and diversity strategy and serving as Chair of our newly formed Race Advisory Council.

I know part of my dreams and successes are attributable to the struggles and leadership of civil rights pioneers like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I was born in Puerto Rico, an American citizen, which prompted my Dominicana mother to naturalize and become American as well.

My mother and I moved to States when I was nine and she raised me single-handedly. She taught me, through words and through her example, to work hard, stay positive, believe in myself, dream big and to give back. She had a vision of what I could achieve.

I wonder if her aspirations for me would have been as high if it wasn’t for Dr. King’s dream for people to not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

This Martin Luther King Jr Day, I am reminded that dreams build upon dreams. I am thankful for his dream for this nation, the movement that he ignited and recommit myself to keeping that momentum going for generations to come.??

I am proud of all that I have achieved.?But the journey has not always been smooth sailing.?As an Afro-Latina, throughout my life I have encountered uncomfortable situations, micro-aggressions, and power dynamics that did not serve me or my aspirations.

My pride in my identity and culture have made me fearless and ready to tackle these challenges head on. Would I have that pride if it was not for the Civil Rights movement?