Kameelah Benjamin-Fuller is Chief Diversity Officer and Corporate Social Responsibility Leader at PTC, where she is responsible for supporting the company’s full activation of opportunity in this space.
Kameelah brings over 20 years of experience in ED+I and CSR initiatives across industries including entertainment, financial services, technology, and travel. Kameelah is passionate about empowering individuals, communities, and organizations to recognize their ability to create impactful change through strong brands, healthy environments, and clear purpose.
Especially for the WomenTech Network, Kameelah agreed to give an interview and share her story.
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Congratulations on winning a WomenTech Network Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Role Model of the Year Award! How did it feel when you found out you had won?
Receiving the news that I was being recognized by the Women Tech Network as a Role Model was certainly a validating moment. It is such honor given the work that this organization does and its commitment to creating opportunities for womxn in technology.
I've been working in this space for 20+ years; I'm so passionate about this work, and it's super complex - stepping into the chief diversity officer role amid a tumultuous pandemic and political climate. DEI is critical to how we think about our culture – both personally and professionally. This award has already broadened my network and my hope is that it furthers my ability to reach folks who are curious and passionate about the work that we are doing to bridge gaps between potential and possibilities. I received word and immediately took pause. It is often surreal to think about how far we’ve come and the dedication of so many that make moments like these possible. Our future and the future of aspiring leaders depend on our abilities to explore difficult conversations, advocate for others, and repair disparities. I look forward to continuing the conversations about developing diverse, inclusive, and equitable settings – in the workplace and beyond.
Tell us about your background, journey in tech, and what inspired you to develop your career in this direction.
My background is one that reflects curiosity and a willingness to explore facets that fall outside of a preconceived path. However, my passion for advocacy has always been at the forefront. As a black woman and member of the LGBTQI+ community, I had no choice but to find my voice and push through obstacles that threatened my individuality and my success. I had to create resources where resources didn’t exist, I had to uncover the opportunities that lie between the moments of discomfort, and I had to find others like me who understood the power that our combined voices could yield. With that came the understanding that my influence would make the most impact in settings where conversations about equity and disparities were happening and in settings where they weren’t.
My involvement with organizations like Chief and my contributions to the music scene through G-Rock, enable me to fulfill my role as a Chief Diversity Officer with a holistic perspective. Every day, I bring the lessons I’ve learned by listening to other practitioners, immersing myself in the community, and gathering an understanding of the obstacles that underrepresented minorities continue to face. The tech sector is one that women have struggled to navigate and I’ve discovered that my position at PTC, my experiences, my unconventional path, and the duality of my expertise can be leveraged to pave the path toward equity.
Any advice you would like to give to girls in STEM on pursuing their dreams?
My advice would be to explore every avenue that piques your interest. Too often we’re told that we need to narrow our focus or to go after the opportunities that will yield the biggest return, but I’ve never regretted pursuing an interest, a passion, or a chance to learn something new. Every experience in your life will likely uncover something you didn’t know about yourself and a lesson that will help you pave your path. It doesn’t have to make sense, it doesn’t have to align to any sort of trajectory – if it brings you joy, lean into that. Technologies are changing every day as are the skills needed to innovate. Do not pigeonhole yourself into a trajectory, take it all in and stack that proverbial deck. You’ll quickly realize that a well-rounded perspective is just as critical to your professional acumen as your tech-savviness.
