Nawf Warnement joined us back in 2015 to establish a leadership recruitment research team. Now, as vice president of Oracle Executive Leadership Recruiting, she’s using her expertise to lead the identification and mapping of executive level talent across the global tech industry.
This Arab American Heritage Month, Nawf took time to share her thoughts on being a first generation Arab American and what it means to her and her leadership style.
VP Executive Leadership Recruiting
As a first generation Arab American, what does Arab American Heritage Month mean to you?
I feel recognized and seen. I think we have been an invisible community by having to identify as white. I am optimistic that this is the first step to bring change. Arab Americans are woven into the fabric of this country, but I think many still don’t know what it means to be Arab American.
There are lots of misconceptions and false narratives. I hope this is an opportunity to highlight and educate on this deep, rich, beautiful, culture.
How do you celebrate your heritage?
My family and siblings attend Easter mass at my parent’s church where the mass is conducted in Arabic. After, we gather together to eat dinner with ethnic meals my mother prepared. Lots of pita bread, hummus and baklava! It’s a great opportunity for the grandchildren to listen to stories of the “old country”.
I have also dedicated time to talk to my children about what it means to be Syrian Arab American and share my parent’s journey with them.
Why is it important that Oracle support its people in expressing their heritage?
Growing up having a name that was not common and not looking like the other kids was challenging. I grew used to my name always being mispronounced and honestly wanted to hide in the back of the room and not be seen. It affected my confidence and made me very unsure of myself. At Oracle, surrounded by others of different race and ethnicity, I feel safe to be my true self. This makes me a better leader.
How can we better champion equality in the workplace?
We need to not be afraid to hire those who don’t look like us. We need to embrace it and understand how it makes us more whole and full. We need to share our stories, our food, our experience, our culture. We need to learn from each other and be receptive to new ideas.
Do you want to grow as a professional in a workplace that values your identity alongside talented leaders like Nawf? Explore our open roles and come create the future with us.