Theresa Spralling epitomizes resilience, leadership, and advocacy in the corporate world. With a career spanning over three decades in the telecommunications industry, Theresa has navigated through challenges, shattered barriers, and emerged as a beacon of inspiration for women and minorities striving to make their mark in the corporate landscape. Her journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of equity and inclusion.
Theresa is an accomplished leader known for her success in people management and her positive impact within a Fortune 50 global telecommunications company. With extensive experience across various domains including General Management, Human Resources, Sales, Engineering, Talent Development, New Business Development, Employee Resource Groups, Strategy & Partnerships, Program Management, and Community Engagement, Theresa has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive results and foster growth.
Driven by a core set of beliefs centered around honesty, accountability, integrity, and respect for others, Theresa is highly respected within her field. She possesses exceptional skills in executing high-level strategies within complex, matrixed work environments. Theresa has a proven track record in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as in building high-performance teams and fostering employee engagement. She excels in problem-solving, cultural sensitivity, and interpersonal communication.
Theresa’s academic background includes a four-year journalism scholarship at the University of Alabama, where she began her journey of lifelong learning. She furthered her education at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, earning dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Administration and Behavioral Science. Additionally, Theresa has pursued post-graduate studies and obtained an ASTD (American Society of Training and Development) Coaching Certification.
With over 25 years of experience at the intersection of engineering, technology, and human capital, Theresa has played a pivotal role in forging strategic alliances, designing and selling engineering solutions, and cultivating a skilled workforce. Notably, she is a founding leader of the “From Tolerance to Understanding” movement at AT&T, advocating for critical conversations to promote awareness and foster understanding among colleagues and stakeholders.
Finding identity in adversity
Theresa’s journey began as a young black female engineer, entering a corporate world dominated by white men. The road was fraught with obstacles, from being the only woman of color in her group to facing outright rejection on her first day on the job. However, Theresa’s resilience and determination propelled her forward.
She recalls a pivotal moment when she encountered skepticism and resistance, symbolized by an encounter with a colleague who bluntly expressed, “We don’t want you here.” Instead of succumbing to despair, Theresa confronted the challenge head-on, asserting her right to be there and refusing to be deterred by adversity. This experience catalyzed her resolve to not only survive but thrive in an environment where she was often seen as an outsider.
As Theresa progressed in her career, she embraced her authentic self, realizing that her uniqueness was her greatest asset. She learned to lead with her heart, demonstrating empathy, compassion, and a genuine concern for others. By staying true to herself and valuing authenticity over conformity, Theresa gained the trust and respect of her colleagues and superiors.
Her leadership style was characterized by inclusivity, collaboration, and a commitment to lifting others as she climbed the corporate ladder. Theresa’s approach to leadership exemplifies the importance of authenticity in fostering meaningful connections, driving engagement, and achieving collective success.
Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion
Throughout her career, Theresa has been a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Recognizing the systemic barriers faced by women and minorities in the workplace, she has dedicated herself to breaking down these barriers and creating pathways for underrepresented groups to succeed. As a leader, Theresa has championed the importance of diverse perspectives, emphasizing that true innovation and excellence can only be achieved through inclusivity.
She has been instrumental in establishing employee resource groups, mentoring programs, and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting diversity and fostering a culture of belonging within organizations. Theresa’s unwavering commitment to DEI serves as a catalyst for change, inspiring others to join the movement towards a more equitable and inclusive future.
In conclusion, Theresa’s journey from adversity to advocacy is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership. Her story serves as a source of inspiration for women and minorities striving to overcome barriers and make their voices heard in the corporate world.
By embracing her identity, leading with compassion, and championing diversity and inclusion, Theresa has not only shattered glass ceilings but paved the way for future generations to thrive. As she continues to advocate for equity and justice, Theresa remains a beacon of hope and empowerment, reminding us all of the profound impact one individual can have in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.
AI assisted in summarizing this episode of Equity in Focus.
