The Women of Flavorman

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FlavormanThe 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 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

initially came to Flavorman’s bottling line through temp service placement. She became fascinated with the process, and her bottling supervisor Walter was very open. “I didn’t feel like any question was a stupid question to him. I could just ask him anything.” Without a science and math background, the industry can be intimidating for Joseph at times. “But being here at Flavorman, I can say that no one makes you feel as though they’re better than you because they have a certain type of degree.” The experience has been eye-opening and interesting. “It gives me the confidence to go back to school and get a food science degree.” Joseph was raised by a single mother who inspired her never to give up, no matter the circumstances. Working at Flavorman, she feels well-represented, and it has given her the confidence as a Black woman to wear her natural hair. A Halloween party at Flavorman where Joseph dressed in 70s attire gave her the chance to wear an afro. “I was hesitant because I didn’t know how people would respond to it. Everyone here embraced my hair. All day everyone told me how beautiful my hair is.” The owner of the company pulled her aside just to compliment her. “They see me. They see Dorian. They see the person I am instead of my hair, skin color, or background.” Monica Horn is an Associate Beverage Architect with Flavorman. She makes beverage flavors from formulas and assists in making beverage ideas come to life for clients. She developed an interest in the sciences and math in grade school and was lucky to have supportive, involved parents. Horn’s interest in STEM subjects continued through college. But it wasn’t until she landed with Flavorman that she found a true kinship in the field. “Previously, in my jobs, I felt small and unheard due to a lack of opportunities. They didn’t really ask my opinion. It was definitely hard, especially if you were the only Black woman.” Horn’s parents still serve as her inspiration. “My parents, with how hard they’ve worked and how often they put their efforts and resources into me, made sure that I succeeded in any way possible.” She moved to Louisville from Michigan last August. When she researched Flavorman, she came across photos of her future coworkers. “I saw pictures of them on Instagram with their natural hair out, and honestly, that’s not something you usually see in any STEM fields.” Horn instantly knew she would love working at Flavorman. “I feel safe. I feel I’m heard. If I have any issues, even the CEO will talk to me. He’s very welcoming. They’re all open arms. Complete 180°.” Sharing her experiences is essential to Horn as she hopes to inspire young Black women interested in STEM. She stays involved through her sorority (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.), community service, and her job. “I honestly think exposure and experiences make young Black girls more interested in what they see. They should prioritize themselves and be passionate about what they love. Nothing comes easy, but it’s all worth it in the end.”

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