Diversity Journal Fourth Quarter Magazine 2023

Page 40

2023

Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer, and General Counsel

INTERNATIONAL

Mentors helped her rise and they continue to have her back today

Education: JD, University of San Francisco School of Law; BA, Spelman College Company Name: AAA Northern California, Nevada, and Utah (AAA NCNU) Industry: Automotive, Insurance, Travel, Home Security, Financial Services Company CEO: Tim Condon Company Headquarters Location: Walnut Creek, CA Number of Employees: 5,174 Words you live by: My mother used to say, “What goes around comes around,” which instilled in me the principle that one’s actions yield reciprocal outcomes. This philosophy guides my conviction that the contributions I make to the world help cultivate the prosperity that is evident in my life. Who is your personal hero? My mother, a source of enduring inspiration, heroically assumed sole responsibility for raising three children following my father’s untimely death when I was an infant. Although she passed away almost 20 years ago, her legacy is imprinted in my unwavering commitment to education and perpetual pursuit of excellence. Today, I stand as a testament to her influence, embodying her essence in every sense of my being. What book are you reading? I am currently reading Worthy by Jada Pickett Smith, which provides insights into her formative years and quest for self-worth. The book deeply resonates with me, as it aligns with my ongoing journey of discerning and defining my life’s purpose. What was your first job? My first job was in the service industry. I was a waitress at an assisted living home near my high school. The role imparted valuable lessons encompassing time management, interpersonal skills and adaptability. It also heightened my awareness of customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and reinforced my commitment to excellence. Favorite charity: The Alzheimer’s Association holds a special place in my heart, given the considerable impact this debilitating disease has had on multiple members of my family. Interests/Hobbies: I absolutely love interior design–it’s a genuine passion of mine. On Saturdays, you can catch me checking out model homes to soak in the latest trends. Cooking also brings me joy, especially during big holiday get-togethers. I’ve had a few specialties, including a shrimp dressing, chili, and margarita fish tacos with homemade salsa. Family: I consider myself lucky to be part of a loving, blended family. My first marriage brought me a fantastic son who is 19. Through rekindling a connection with and marrying my high school sweetheart, I gained two wonderful bonus children.

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2023 Fourth Quarter

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my professional journey, particularly in navigating the challenges of growing up in East Palo Alto, where people who look like me lived in a community plagued by poverty and crime. Early on, I embraced the value of surrounding myself with forward-thinking individuals, which has made mentors a constant presence throughout my career. My first mentor, a neighbor attending Mills College who wanted to pursue law, profoundly influenced my path in the legal field. Through her, I discovered Spelman College and decided to pursue my undergraduate studies there. After graduating from Spelman, I assumed leadership roles in the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) at the University of San Francisco School of Law, where I had the privilege of connecting with esteemed alumni, U.S. District Court Judge Saundra Brown Armstrong and California State Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins. Their mentorship provided a safe haven for vulnerability and support, which proved crucial in helping me pass the bar on my first attempt. I now give back by engaging in BLSA fireside chats at my alma mater, just as Judge Armstrong and Justice Jenkins did for me. Now, as the general counsel of one of the most trusted brands in America, I am devoted to giving back through mentorship. My commitment lies in creating an environment that empowers others with the knowledge and tools to confidently step through the door and claim their seat at the table. Continuing my pursuit of surrounding myself with forward-thinking individuals, I remain open to learning, and consider Tim Condon, my CEO, as my most significant mentor today. His perspective on turning every situation into an opportunity has profoundly shaped my career and outlook on life. As both a mentor and mentee, I aspire to be a conduit of knowledge and inspiration, dedicated to fostering continuous exchanges that propel others forward in their careers.

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AWARD

Kamili Moreland


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