Adriana Dawson  –   a first-generation professional.  An influential, successful Latina.   A mentor.   A Director at an American multi-national, multi-billion dollar, telecommunications company. “I’m in the business of people.   Some of my earliest memories involve acting as a translator for my family and being sourced as a navigator for other newly arrived Spanish-speaking families. I quickly learned the power of community, activating as a connector, and using my voice to assist others. As an adult, I chose to leverage these formative experiences + my skills to continue the work on a larger scale to support greater societal impact and access…… I help co-create solutions, elevate voices and lift citizen design spaces that help inform corporate change-makers of unmet needs and business opportunities. My deep multi-sector experience and cultural fluency/insights enable me to broaden and accelerate outcomes.”

Adriana shared her inspiring story with our Central High School students today.   From overcoming an early mistake to a career of setting goals, working hard and never giving up to develop a respected BRAND and building a DIVERSE NETWORK of successful, influential people who guided her along the way.

Adriana Dawson –  Verizon’s Community Engagement Director for
the Eastern Region of the United States.

Jessica Baquiax Bulux welcomes Adriana to Central High School and her Life Skills class.

Jessica leads Adriana into our classroom to introduce her to her awaiting classmates.

Jessica introduces Adriana to her classmates. “Impressive introduction, Jessica. Well done.”

Donnell Lange leads his classmates to welcome Adriana to today’s class with eye contact, a friendly smile, firm handshake and a welcoming, sincere greeting as John Cuevas waits to do the same.

Adriana begins the class by sharing her story.

Donnell asks the first question to Adriana

While Cam Davis follows with his questions and interesting comments.

The class with an opportunity for all to network with Adriana. Angelica Delgadillo Guzman exchanges business cards with Adriana while Walvyn DePena Reinoso waits to the do the same.

John Cuevas thanks Adriana for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit our class.  Great job, John!  Confident eye contact, professional handshake and a sincere smile that welcomed Adriana to our class.

Jose Rivera Rodriguez thanks Adriana and exchanges his business card for Adriana’s business card.  Great job, Jose! Impresionante.