Most people don’t grow up knowing what they will do or be in life. It’s only a lucky few who happen upon an opportunity at a young age where they find their true aligned path and purpose. At the ripe age of 15, when most girls are stepping into the very early stages of womanhood, Keyla Cabret-Lewis found her life path.
Credit: Kristian Ogden, Ryan Jones, and John D. Helms
For Cabret-Lewis, an internship position she held in her teens became the focus of her professional career
“Certainly, my journey into the workforce aligns closely with the aspirations I held as a child. At the age of 15, I embarked on an internship opportunity with Aflac, which aimed to enhance diversity in local corporations,” Aflac’s VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion says.
She credits this opportunity as the experience that also put her in a place to ensure equitable diversity moving forward.
“This experience ignited my passion for the corporate world. Throughout high school and college, I continued to work with Aflac, eventually transitioning into a corporate recruiter role after graduation,” she continued.
“My parents have been instrumental in shaping my success, particularly by demonstrating the importance of both a strong work ethic and achieving a balance between work and family life”
Keyla Cabret-Lewis
Cabaret-Lewis asserted, “Thus, my childhood aspirations have indeed guided my career path, leading me to where I am today. Years later, I am proud to be an example of what can happen when you work for a company that prioritizes opportunity and diversity.
Within her role, she’s led initiatives that allow her to “promote diversity and foster an inclusive environment” at the company.
“And when it comes to Aflac, that is not just talk. We are a company that is nearly 50% people of color and 66% women,” she cites.
Cabret-Lewis reveals that her culture and heritage also play a significant role in how she approaches the decisions she makes
The Afro-Latina executive relocated to the United States with her family when she was ten. Like many immigrants from Latin America, she arrived only speaking one language: Spanish.
A KFF report cites how many immigrants arriving in the U.S. experience issues due to the language barrier. These issues make it hard to find a job, apply for government programs, or get healthcare services.
Cabret-Lewis tells Latinidad Collective, “Drawing from my background, I’m able to bring a unique perspective to decision-making processes, ensuring that the needs and concerns of diverse communities are addressed comprehensively.”
“My heritage empowers me to advocate for equity and fairness, driving positive change and creating opportunities for everyone at Aflac, regardless of their background,” she adds.
Cabret-Lewis continues, “The values of my heritage, such as family support, community solidarity, and a strong work ethic, have served as pillars of strength, providing me with the resilience needed to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.
She also asserts that being multicultural “is increasingly recognized as a powerful asset.”
“Drawing from my background, I’m able to bring a unique perspective to decision-making processes, ensuring that the needs and concerns of diverse communities are addressed comprehensively.”
Keyla Cabret-Lewis
“From my perspective, honoring nuanced diversity is crucial for fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. [Alfac is] committed to nurturing talent within our organization, providing equal opportunities for growth and development,” the Afro-Latina shared.
The business leader continues, “Our efforts are not just about achieving a diverse workforce; they aim to ensure that all employees see themselves represented across all levels of the company.”
Cabret-Lewis acknowledges that the lessons she learned from her parents played a significant role in how she turned out
“My parents have been instrumental in shaping my success, particularly by demonstrating the importance of both a strong work ethic and achieving a balance between work and family life,” she points out.
The Afro-Latina business leader told Latinidad Collective that she grew up with parents who managed work and life gracefully. This allowed her to believe a balance could be struck.
“In my career, I strive to create environments where employees can thrive by working flexibly, aligning their schedules with their working styles. Ultimately, the lessons learned from my role models at home have profoundly influenced both my career and life choices,” Cabret-Lewis proclaims.
