Employee Spotlight: Zoë Ozochiawaeze

“My favorite thing is how Black people embrace the concept of family, and how we don’t limit it to people of blood relations.” — Zoë Ozochiawaeze, our Commerce and Digital Strategy Assistant. Read more about what she loves about Black culture as we celebrate throughout the year.

Job title: Commerce & Digital Strategy Assistant
Instagram handle: @zoeozochiawaeze
Preferred pronouns: she/her

How do you celebrate Black History Month?

As a Black woman, I try to show support for my community year-round, but in the month of February I make a more conscious effort to do so. Some ways I celebrate BHM are by supporting Black-owned businesses and restaurants, donating to Black-led organizations, going to events around New York celebrating the Black community, watching Black led TV shows/movies, and showing love and support to my favorite Black artists.

What do you love about your Black culture?

There’s a lot to love about Black culture, but I think my favorite thing is how Black people embrace the concept of family, and how we don’t limit it to people of blood relations. There are so many things Black people share– our language, food, practices, music, humor, etc., that bonds us together and makes anyone and everyone Black apart of our family. It’s also the main reason Black people are able to remain resilient in a world that is hostile towards us, and it’s why we are empowered to stand up and remain strong in the face of discrimination.

Who is your favorite figure in Black History and how did they impact you?

One of my favorite figures in Black History is Florence Griffith-Joyner aka Flo-Jo, who was one of the greatest sprinters of her generation, known for winning three gold medals at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. Although it’s been more than 20 years since her death, Flo-Jo remains one of the most fashionable figures in the history of professional sports as she was famously known for her stylish tracksuits, her long acrylics, and for being blinged out at every race. She impacted me in a huge way growing up, as she reminded me of the power in making a fashion statement (no matter the occasion) and in seeing how important it is to stand confident in who I am as a Black woman.

Who do you feel is currently making Black History in the present?

I immediately thought of Laverne Cox and MJ Rodriguez as people who are making history by breaking down huge barriers for Black transgender women of color today. They’re two of the most recognizable Black and LGBTQ+ rights activists in Hollywood today and are constantly speaking up about issues that Black and trans women deal with in the entertainment industry and everyday life. They’re also big advocates for mental health and are women I not only admire greatly but people who push me to speak up about social justice initiatives and reform.

Who is your favorite Black music artist?

There’s quite literally too many to count, but I’d have to say my top 5 right now are FLO, Beyoncé, Summer Walker, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion. I love these women as they are shaping popular music today, and because of the powerful cultural impact their songs bring, they can empower new generations of Black women and artists around the world.

What’s your favorite Black Owned Business?

My favorite Black owned business is a sustainable, minimalist clothing brand called Local European. It’s a womenswear label based in LA, founded by Alexandra Bunch who has created a ton of high-quality clothes as her focus is on creating pieces that can be worn time and time again.

What would you like people to learn about Black culture?

I want people to fully learn and understand that the world does not move without Black creativity– and it’s our people that are fueling culture today. That being said, it’s important to acknowledge that Black culture is inherently multicultural as it pulls from a number of influences both inside and out of the Black community. So ultimately, it’s impossible to define what is “authentically” Black because there’s no one right way to be Black.