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Stonecrest HR director urges mentorship, celebrates women’s progress
Summary
Leona Durden, Stonecrest director of human resources, spoke about women’s progress, the role of mentors, and the influence of her mother during brief remarks at a Stonecrest event.
Leona Durden, director of human resources, praised the progress women have made in the workplace, sports and politics and urged young women to seek mentors and ‘‘give back by being a mentor to someone else.’’
Durden said her mother inspired her leadership through a work ethic she described while recounting her upbringing: "She raised 4 children. She cooked, cleaned, and bridal my hair while working 50 to 60 hours per week as a housekeeper. She is a beast." Durden said her mother taught her that "the most important contribution we can make in this life comes from helping others achieve their goals."
Durden advised young women to be patient and persistent: "First, recognize that there's always tomorrow, so you don't need to get everything done today. Secondly, don't let a lack of the right credentials hold you back. And lastly, find a mentor early in your career." She added that as time goes on people should "give back by being a mentor to someone else."
Durden characterized ambition as a necessary quality for women seeking leadership roles and cited a line attributed to Michelle Obama: "no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, you are beautiful and don't ever forget it." She closed by identifying herself and expressing civic pride: "I am Leona Durden, director of human resources, and I am Stonecrest proud."
