Alicia Boler Davis is not a stranger to being first.
She was among the first to go to college; while working for General Motors she became the first Black woman to become plant manager and now she is the first Black woman to become a part of Jeff Bezos’ Amazon S-team.
This team is an exclusive inner circle that will update Bezos. As reported by CNBC Make It, Davis said, “I’m definitely excited about the opportunity to bring my perspective to the table and to work closely with so many amazing leaders here at Amazon.”
She continued, “I’m also acutely aware that this may also be significant for others. They may be inspired by what I’m doing, especially Black students or professionals, and women. It may inspire them to be bolder, to dream bigger, or just open their minds to greater possibilities.”
Before becoming a part of Bezos’ team, Boler Davis started working for Amazon in 2019 as the company’s vice president of global customer fulfillment. Her job consisted of leading Amazon’s worldwide network of warehouses to make the online shopping experience feel seamless for millions of customers.
Soon after, Boler Davis had to unexpectedly lead her team through the COVID-19 pandemic, as they provided a world who were sheltering in place with essential items. She would take on the responsibilities, making the safety concerns of the operations her main priority.
“I think sometimes when you’re moving fast and you’re making changes, and if you’re not mindful of really explaining why, it can be frustrating for our employees. That was really tough to always think about that”, Boler Davis said.
Boler Davis was recognized for her efforts and was promoted. She is now working to increase diversity within the company. Amazon is reported to have 27% Black employees but only 8% Black managers.
As she continues to work on inclusion, Boler Davis wants her accomplishments to inspire others.
“My advice would be not to be restricted by what you see or do not let anyone tell you that you cannot be something, that you can’t do something, or something is impossible. I like to think about possibilities and to think really big about what can be if we try.”