(Be)coming Professional | Lakeya Omogun | TEDxUTAustin

Are we letting go of our true selves and identities in the name of professionalism? Lakeya, a Ph.D. candidate in the Language and Literacy Studies Program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Austin, dives into why we need to reevaluate and redefine our idea of professionalism. She explores the concept of what it means to be professional and the limitations it imposes upon diverse ways of being. She draws on her own research and experiences at various stages of her life to encourage us to redefine professionalism along intersectional identity lines.
Lakeya Omogun is a Nigerian and African-American writer, scholar, and creative. Born in New York and raised in Detroit, her experiences between both cultures and cities equipped her to see the world through a nuanced lens. Since a young girl, she has been deeply committed to shifting static ideas in cultures, society, and institutions.

Currently, she is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Language and Literacy Studies Program in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Texas at Austin. Her dissertation research explores how Nigerian immigrant youth use language, literacy, and digital literacies to racially position themselves as well construct and negotiate their identities while living in the United States. Having experienced tensions with navigating aspects of her racial, ethnic, and professional identities, Lakeya advocates for showing up as our full selves across professional spaces. No shedding. No hiding. She believes that all parts of our identities deserve recognition and honor.

Lakeya also uses writing to shift static ideas. Her writing sits at the intersection of storytelling and scholarship, which includes creative nonfiction, narrative poetry, and scholarly articles. It has been featured in Zora Mag, Human Parts, and Random House Incorporated (RHI). In addition to researching and writing, Lakeya teaches undergraduate literacy methods courses in UT-Austin’s College of Education. Her teaching prepares undergraduates to attend to sociocultural factors (e.g., identity, race, class, gender, etc.) in their teaching and instruction. Prior to beginning her doctoral studies, Lakeya taught elementary and middle school in three cities – Newark, Detroit, Newark, and Harlem. She carries the love and memories from her students in all that she does.

[rowenveratome]

This is a beautiful talk. One little detail that stuck out to me was her realization that people in her community wouldn't be able to access what she was writing. It's really a relatable thing. Partly because of the use of language in academia, and partly because journal articles are priced under the assumption that you're an institution and not an independent reader (an individual article might cost $50 dollars). Making something that your community and loved ones wouldn't be able to access/understand is a certain kind of loneliness.

[iamsiennab]

This was very powerful and I am in tears as I type this, because I am facing the realization that I often filter myself in the name of acceptance. I have started to show up as my authentic self and in my line of work, it is not comfortable. It is worth it though and I appreciate your bravery and courage to reflect and show up as your authentic self. Congratulations on your PhD as well.

[JanellyisLuv]

And this is why I choose to stay true to myself over appealing professional to anyone who doesn’t care or appreciate all of me. Loved this so much. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[dxrrellmxller]

I can see your soul shining through, You pushed through this and it was so amazing, we could all hear the passion in your voice. Loved it, so motivating

[latoyayoung]

As a Detroiter I welcome this story...keep speaking...your words are POWERFUL

[HopefulTribe]

Thank you, Lakeya! Keep speaking out!

[jtheth]

That’s you.. you did that and I’m so proud of you 😘😘💯 doctor Lakeya Omagon from Detroit.

[ec]

I'm a middle aged white woman teaching a career prep class (to a younger and diverse class of students) and I had the same sentiments as the speaker, but couldn't find the words. Rethinking professionalism is long overdue. At least tattoos and different hairstyles are more acceptable now.

[waelfaraj]

Streams of clouds passing by,

Whether thunders laugh or storms cry,

sun rays fill up the sky,

I would always dream that I could fly,

over the mountains nearby,

Having pleasure looking up high,

The night stars shine and spy,

Angels love, deeply look and watch by

Live in bliss and on God rely …

[lunaazul]

What a beautiful speech! So inspiring to keep our roots shining through every path we may take. Thank you! 👏🏻

[AffirmationsForGrowth]

Time to get serious a your direction in life. Today is yours to own. So own it 🎤

[psychemmm]

"PROFESSIONAL" is a common place/space where anyone or everyone can meet and not have to understand individual personalities to get things (usually business)done. Based on profession, industry, category everyone relates in specific terms that translates easy. Professionalism will always clash with personality because we are all diverse and different but common in our specialties.

[ThePatchworkQuill]

One of the best TED talks I've listened to, thank you! 🙌🏻

[embracethesuck]

Luxury or no luxury always be proud of your brand and try working to improve. I love luxurious lifestyles. All thanks to crypto I just got my first Lamborghini 💝. My advice to y'all invest in cryptocurrency or gold.

[nishamadhav]

Hope one day the world will be a better place.

[paullinroest]

I would not call professionalism a representation of whiteness but rather sterilizeness. Maintaining the personable rather than personal presentation seems to scrub us bear. Erasing so much of who we are. I really appreciate your talk, thank you!

[HeavenlyTheeBliss]

Wonderfully spoken, (soon-to-be) Dr. Lekaya!

[_---__]

There is a lot more to this. Do I get what she is saying? Yes to a certain extent but there is a lot more to this. Great video and I would really like to see more of her work. Very talented 👏🏿

[francescospezzanoarchimove]

Thanks this TED X is esplosive!! really

[clipstoremember]

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.