At the Sisters with Superpowers event, Vicki Miles delivered a moving speech that paid tribute to the legacy of the powerful women in her family who have inspired her journey. She acknowledged her roots and the strength she draws from her ancestors. Miles highlighted her commitment to continuing their legacy through her work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) at Volkswagen Group of America. With gratitude and humility, she reflected on the challenges and rewards of her career, emphasizing the importance of faith and fortitude in overcoming obstacles. Her speech was a personal reflection and a call to action for continuing the fight for equity in all spaces.
Here is her speech:
Thank you. Thank you, everyone. Thank you to Mr. Munson Steed, and thank you to Cara Everett for this award. I am truly humbled.
I just want to say that my superpowers would be faith and fortitude. My family is made up of mostly women, and I stand on the shoulders of those sisters with superpowers.
My great-great-aunt was appointed the first Black postmistress in Maryland County. My great-aunt received her master’s from Columbia University in the ’40s, booked passage on the Queen Mary, and traveled solo. My great-great-grandmother made us get on our hands and knees and recite the 23rd Psalm before every meal. My mother has traveled to over 50 countries, including seven continents, on a teacher’s salary. My sister was a hidden figure working in the aerospace industry with IBM on satellites in the ’80s.
It is because of them that I continue to work hard and uphold our legacy with humility. Receiving this award inspires me to continue striving for excellence and making a difference in the DE&I space, whether it’s strengthening Volkswagen Group of America’s partnerships with HBCUs, diverse organizations that show our commitment to the communities we serve, increasing our supplier diversity and minority-owned dealerships, or increasing the number of women and diversity in leadership within the many brands that we have.
This journey has been challenging but also incredibly rewarding. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my colleagues sitting at the table and my mentor right in front of me. Thank you again for this incredible honor; I will cherish this moment forever. Thank you.
See more Sisters With Superpowers speeches here:
Adjoa Asamoah highlights strategic coalitions in advancing racial equity
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett went to the trap house to get votes
Benita Thompson-Byas shares her superpowers of fortitude, faith and contentment
Georgette Dixon shares her journey and superpowers of faith and curiosity
Siobhan Ollivierre highlights GirlTrek’s mission to empower Black women
Cora Masters Barry reflects on Black women’s resilience and power at SWS event
