Black History Month Feature | Ramaine Cain

In honor of Black History Month?SGH is elevating the voices and work of our colleagues who contribute to Black history, culture, and excellence year-round. Our first feature spotlights?Ramaine Cain, Global Human Resources Business Partner at one of SGH’s business lines,?Cree LED. Ramaine is also a member of our SGH Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee and has been instrumental in supporting SGH’s mission to build an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. Keep on reading to learn more about Ramaine and her take on how you can be an ally to the black community.

SGH: Why did you join the DEI committee?

Ramaine Caine [RC]: I joined the committee because I'm passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and I think everybody needs an ally. My experience can help others understand things that maybe they haven't learned or things they didn't grow up with.

SGH: What advice do you have for people looking to advance their careers or become a leader?

RC: I mentor a few young people and I'm always telling them to learn all that they can. Whether it's thru a formal process, such as a university or a course here and there, I believe that education is key. I think business knowledge is one of the biggest things that someone can learn to be a successful leader. Having that basic business background is helpful in almost every industry. I'm also a big advocate for mentorship programs where people can partner with someone who is a leader and watch and grow from them. My last piece of advice would be to self-evaluate. Evaluate yourself in terms of what you do well, what you can improve on and how you can make yourself an asset to the business.

SGH: What does being an ally to the black community mean to you?

RC: Being an?ally?means having a genuine interest in learning and understanding the black community or any community for that matter. Secondly, time. An ally takes the time to educate themselves and support the black community. And lastly, an ally is non-judgmental. They do not judge people for the causes they support, their appearance, or their vernacular. An ally has a general understanding and a non-judgmental attitude.

SGH: What's your favorite mantra or quote?

RC: "The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor." - Charles F. Stanley