Time for a coffee break? Take a few minutes to get to know Stacie Harwood, Program Manager, Supplier Diversity at T-Mobile USA, including her best career advice, advice for women entrepreneurs, and the importance of innovation in business.
What do you see as the coolest or most important trend in your industry?
5G and Project 10Million, a $10B commitment to eradicate the homework gap for millions of children, by offering FREE service to 10 million households – an unprecedented move!
What education/training programs should women entrepreneurs make sure to learn more about?
Women in Technology International (WITI) – www.witi.com
What piece of advice would you give to women entrepreneurs that want to do business with your corporation?
#BeYou and #BeBold and get the necessary certifications (CPUC) to become a vendor of T-Mobile through Supplier Diversity.
What drove you to a career in diversity and inclusion?
Wanting to make sure that everyone had an opportunity to have a seat at the table, and have their voices heard. If I can be an ally or a resource, that is what I want to do.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Being green in any industry affords you the opportunity to be a sponge. Ask questions, jump in, and be bold. The answer is always no unless you ask.
What women inspire you?
Ruth Ann Harnisch, 66, journalist and founder of The Harnisch Foundation, who works to advance gender and racial equality.
How has being a WBENC Corporate Member helped your corporation and/or procurement department?
Women-owned businesses contribute greatly to the world economy, it is smart economics and good for business. Being a Corporate Member of WBENC has helped grow our women-owned business supplier base – which is important to T-Mobile’s executive leadership.
What are you reading or listening to now?
I just finished Pieces of Her by Karin Slaughter. She is my favorite crime drama writer.
What’s the best way to start your day?
A shower and a few minutes to clear my head and prep for the day.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a forensic pathologist.
How do you unwind after a long workday?
After dinner, my husband and I take our dogs for a walk to talk and laugh — usually at our silly dogs.
What do you like about your workspace?
My two gigantic monitors, and the people I work with. I have the pleasure of working with some of the brightest folks in our industry.
Fill in the Blank
When I face a challenge, I… look to the end of what I am trying to accomplish. If I have a clear view of the finish line, it helps me see the path to get to there.
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself… that it’s ok to make mistakes. They provide experience; you must get back up, dust yourself off, and go at it again.
The one thing I couldn’t live without is… my AirPods – the airport, and sometimes the office, would be unbearable without them.
Diversity and Inclusion inspires me because, … diversity is beautiful, and inclusion is right. It takes all us of to make the world go around. I want to be a part of a world where we celebrate this, and that’s why I am here, ready to get in the mud and work until everyone has equal opportunities.
T-MOBILE USA
As America’s Un-carrier, T-Mobile US, Inc. is redefining the way consumers and businesses buy wireless services through leading product and service innovation. Our advanced nationwide 4G LTE network delivers outstanding wireless experiences to 84.2 million customers who are unwilling to compromise on quality and value. Based in Bellevue, Washington, T-Mobile US provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile.
Learn more at t-mobile.com
