This month we talk to Assistant Media Planner Lela Brown working on the Account Management Team as a Global Lead and as a Social Analyst on their Americas Social Team and has recently joined the Workday Account’s Media & Demand Team. We discuss her work, what inspires her, how she became involved in the Multicultural BRG. I Am Merkle is a series of interviews that showcase the individuals who make Merkle a unique and diverse place to work.
1. Tell us about yourself; where did you grow up? Where do you live now?
Hello! My name is Lela (pronounced Lee-la) Brown, and I am from San Jose, California. After living in San Francisco for 7 years, I’ve just recently moved back to my home city as of this April.
2. How/why did you get involved with the Multicultural BRG?
The Multicultural BRG was one of the many reasons I chose to join Merkle. As someone of bi-racial ethnicities, I consider myself a part of the mosaic and the Asian@dentsu.
3. What are some cultural traditions you celebrate or observe in the Month of December?
Towards the end of the year, my mother and I like to celebrate Nenmatsu-Nenshi (年末年始) together which celebrates the end of the current year and the beginning of the new year. Although my mother and I live in the Bay instead of Japan, it's still something the two of us like to celebrate together to bring good fortune into the New Year. One tradition we've kept up with is having Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば) together on New Year's Eve and having Osechi Ryori (おせち料理) on New Year's Day. Osechi Ryori is usually packed in 2-3 layers of lacquer boxes (Ojyubako or お重箱) and there are many dishes in each layer. My favorite among of all Osechi Ryori is Ozouni (お雑煮).
4. What is one food you must have in December?
Udon - It's quick, easy, filling, and most importantly - warm. It's such an underrated form of noodles. But if it's New Year's Eve, Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば) as it's a tradition at home.
5. To date, what has been your biggest learning or teaching moment?
Understanding who I am in my cultural identity. I have a unique experience as an ethnically Asian-Black Person and what that means for my personal identity from a cultural perspective. I reflect on this frequently. I consider identity a fluid concept so it's very intriguing for me.
6. What is a moment in your life that defined or shaped who you are today?
2020 as a year was a big one for me as I graduated from college in May which was meant to be a time for celebration but became a time for reflection during the shutdown. I was fortunate to use that time to evaluate what I wanted and where I could truly make an impact. Merkle was where I found myself to be.
7. What inspires you about your workplace culture?
The comradery, support, and positive energy across the people I work with. People are open to learning more and elevating not just themselves but those around them as well. I appreciate that energy.
8. If you currently weren’t doing what you do today professionally, what would you be doing?
6-year-old me would say being a singer and I think I've been able to achieve pretty well at karaoke night.
9. What was the first concert you went to?
My first concert was when I was 7-years-old at Babyface in Oakland. One of my mom's favs from the 90s.
10. Rapid fire:
- Favorite food: Salmon
- Favorite TV show/movie: Because it's so fresh on my mind; has to be Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
- Favorite hobby/activity: I'm a big fan of PC games and am currently re-building my PC with some new parts! I’m currently learning to play Apex.
- Favorite book: Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankin who I was fortunate to meet in 2015.
- Guilty pleasure: Boba/Milk Tea (My household keeps a 32 oz jug of Jasmine Milk Tea in stock frequently)
- Best advice or mantra you live by: “Just do it” – A classic quote from Shia LeBeouf
