10 Questions with Jourdan Dorrell
Diversity Channels Specialist at Google & Social Media Manager at Women of Silicon Valley
Jourdan Dorrell is a Diversity Channels Specialist at Google and Social Media Manager at Women of Silicon Valley. She works with Black and Latinx students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) to support and guide them through the Software Engineering Internship Application process.
Prior to Google, Jourdan studied Sociology at Northwestern University and dedicated her time to social justice and civic engagement. As a first generation, low-income college student, she cares deeply about diversifying the Tech Industry and maximizing opportunities for people of color.
- When did you know that you wanted to work in tech?
Ironically, I never saw myself working in tech. As a sociology major, I spent most of my undergraduate career working on community organizing and advocacy. When an internship opportunity at Google came up, it was actually a much more a financially motivated decision for me to accept. I struggled to feel at peace at Google and in the tech and corporate world until my intern manager, Lizi Lopez, helped me find communities and projects that cared about, which worked towards Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). She helped me understand that I didn’t have sacrifice my passion for D&I to work in tech and didn’t have to leave tech to make an impact in an area that I really care about.
2. Who is a role model that you look up to?
My father. He wasn’t perfect by any means, but he really cared about other people. He opened our house to all, and gave all of himself to other and to us, his family. He was strong even in times of weakness, and loved me for me. He was my biggest cheerleader and advocate. He would brag about his daughters to anyone who would listen, and I remember always being so embarrassed, but looking back I’m was so lucky to have a dad like him. I received a full tuition scholarship to Northwestern, and it all started because he brought me up to a random woman at a Firestone Tire Store who ended up nominating me for the Posse Scholarship. When I got the call that I would be going to college, the first thing I did was call him. I told him the good news and then asked, “why don’t you sound more excited?” He responded, “I never had any doubts in my mind that you would get it.”
3. Where is your hometown?
Southern California (I’ve moved a lot)
4. What is a struggle that you’ve faced and how did you handle it?
The toughest struggle I’ve ever overcome was depression. My father passed away from cancer during the first week of my freshman year of college. I was supposed to be this bright eyed, bushy tailed college student with the rest of my life in front of me, but I had just lost the most important person in my life. Everyone was so excited to start college, and my whole world had just been shattered. I went home for a week before flying back across the country to finish my first quarter.
“Everyone was so excited to start college, and my whole world had just been shattered.”
In my mind, I couldn’t afford to get behind in school and nothing was going to stop that. I spent my entire freshman year ignoring my body and my mind and attempted to ‘catch up’ with the rest of my classmates. I had no time for grief, pain, or sadness, I only had classes to go to and finals to take. It wasn’t until the first anniversary of my dad’s passing that my mental health began to deteriorate quickly. I realized how much life I had lived, and how many new experiences I had made without my father there to share it with. I would describe what the next year felt like, but I don’t remember it. All I remember is a numbness that never seemed to disappear, and being home to an emotionless body.
I eventually went to therapy, at the suggestion of a friend, and slowly started unpacking the trauma that I had endured. I had to let myself feel hurt, let myself grieve, and let myself experience sadness and mourn. I had spent so much time trying to be strong that I hadn’t realize that being vulnerable and open was what I really needed to clear the fog.
5. What is something that you are immensely proud of?
While cliche, I am most proud of graduating from college. The day before Commencement, my college had a Black Student Graduation. They had all the first generation students stand up and we received a standing ovation from all the parents in the room and I cried. I could write a book about how many times I thought I would fail, times I actually failed, and how many nights I spent away fearful of what my future looked like, but I persevered. I have never worked so hard or been tried so hard as I had over the four year I spent in college. It was in that moment that I felt the gravity of what I had accomplished, in a room surrounded by my community.
6. What’s something that’s been on your mind a lot lately?
As a new college grad experiencing a lot of change in the past year, I want to make sure that I am being intentional with my time and energy. In college, I would easily get wrapped up in situations, that in the grand scheme of things, just didn’t matter. I now try to reflect on my own experiences and actions, the impact that they have on other people, and the impact that others have on me and how I choose to react. I want to intentionally express gratitude to the people in my life who have positively shaped who I am and practice honesty, accountability, and responsibility. I want to be a positive force in other’s lives and create a community of support.
“I want to intentionally express gratitude to the people in my life who have positively shaped who I am.”
7. Favorite food?
I love Chipotle. Extra White Rice, no beans, Carnitas, pico, corn salsa, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, and guac, with a tortilla on the side.
8. Favorite book?
Looking for Alaska by John Green
9. If you could try another job for a day, what would it be?
I would love to be a wedding photographer. I love taking photographs of people. There is so much joy, beauty, and happiness that can be captured in a single photo. With weddings, there is so much love and emotion from the bride to the groom, to the family and friends that are there to celebrate with them. I would be honored to be entrusted to save these memories for a new couple, as they start their family.
10. If you could give your 18-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Take care of yourself first and foremost. Express gratitude every opportunity you can. Surround yourself with people that make you the best version of yourself, make you feel beautiful, and make you feel at home. Hold yourself responsible for the impact that you have on others.
