dímelo @sofritoconchile (Clarissa)
In "Dimelo @," La Nueva Link speaks with different Latinx creatives / professionals to highlight their contributions, work and get them on your radar. Up next, LNL connects with D+I lead at el Twitter, Clarissa Arnao.
A NY native raised in the Bronx, Clarissa is proud of her Afro-Latinx roots and one day hopes to live in Puerto Rico to reconnect with la isla. By day, she works as an Inclusion and Diversity lead at Twitter (OKURRR). By night, she’s working on content for @sofritoconchile with her fianceé. A self-proclaimed pastelito lady (ask about her), we get into it with Clarissa below.
Name: Clarissa Arnao
Job Title: Inclusion & Diversity People Partner
Company: Twitter
Side Hustle: @sofritoconchile (YouTube & IG)
Location: Yonkers, NY
Social handle: @sofritoconchile
LNL: In your career -- what has been your biggest achievement so far?
C.A I think where I am today has been my biggest achievement. I mean Twitter literally came knocking on my door for a role I didn’t think could ever exist. Most of my career has been in Human Resources. To be able to make the switch and deep dive into Inclusion & Diversity is unreal. I get to make a real impact for people like us.
LNL: What has been your biggest lesson you’ve learned about your latinidad and the workplace?
Sometimes it can feel like a struggle to maintain your latinidad (i.e., not code switching in the office). It takes a conscious effort and I’m working on it. For the first time in my professional life I’ve corrected people when they say Clarissa (in English). Yes…my Southern boss is now rolling her r’s to say Clarrrrisssa! I feel seen and I’m adamant about creating a space where other Latinx feel seen too.
LNL: We’re so happy you’re a part of the network. What are you looking forward to the most as part of LNL?
C.A: Networking! Now that I’m in “Corporate America” I’m hungry to stay close to my roots and meet other Latinx doing their thing!
LNL: Y ahora dímelo, what’s the one bit of wisdom you can share for rising professionals?
C.A: Stay true and authentic to who you are. Right now it’s so easy to get caught up in the hype or to be politically correct in the office. As one of my closest friends always says “be you stay true”. Remember who you are, your hustle and where/how you started. That authenticity will get you places you didn’t know were possible. Oh and never ever be late...unless it’s to a coro.
LNL: And now to our favorite question. What’s your mantra OR your favorite dicho?
C.A: No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy.
Keep up with this pastelito queen aqui.