SPONSORED BY
Flavorman
The Women Behind
by Dawn Anderson | Courtesy Photos
Creating flavors for well-known beverage brands worldwide, Flavorman counts among its dozens of employees their “beverage architects,” most of whom are women. Several are Black women with inspiring stories of their experiences in the STEM field and how they became interested in their line of work. They are passionate about their careers and spreading the message to young girls that women of color make significant contributions, even in traditionally male-dominated industries. Kadeja Davis is Lab Manager for Flavorman, overseeing the laboratory, training techs, vendor communications, ordering, and formulating research and development on beverages. She always wanted to be a dentist - and still does! Born and raised in the Bahamas, Davis began studying Biochemistry. She moved to the US to continue pursuing her undergraduate degree. After struggling in Biology, her international advisor convinced her to switch her studies to Chemistry because she was “so great at it.” “You have to find your own space” in a male-dominated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) industry, says Davis. “Honestly, for me, it’s like working twice as hard, not only as a Black woman but just being a Black person.” She likens the experience to being in a barrel, not only working her way up from the bottom of the barrel “but also trying just to get inside the barrel.” As a Black woman
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in the industry, Davis feels “it’s difficult, but it’s promising.” She and her colleagues are making strides. “We are being recognized and acknowledged. It’s long overdue.” Seeing Black women fighting for other Black women encourages Davis. “They’ve made a way for us.” She says she thinks of her Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated sorority sisters who are in all areas of STEM. “Some are engineers, and some are doctors and lawyers and teachers. They really inspire me to know that whatever you want to do is an option for you. You don’t have to be limited. I’m also inspired daily by my parents who are always very encouraging in everything that I do and ensure me that ‘God will guide you!’” At Flavorman, Davis has learned that her day-to-day, just showing up and doing her best, “All those things don’t go unnoticed. I want to tell people who feel like they’re not seen or not appreciated, ‘Somebody sees you. Somebody notices you. You’re made to do whatever it is you want to do.’” Dorian “Dori” Joseph is an Assistant Beverage Architect who assists the Senior Beverage Architect, provides new samples to clients, and works with retainer clients on new ideas, tastings, and feedback. Her story in STEM is different in that she struggled with math and science in school. Joseph
