This episode is part of our special series focused on Diversity and Inclusion. In this series I will be talking with leaders in the payments industry (and maybe some experts from outside of the industry) about diversity and inclusion. It has been proven that a diverse workforce and diverse management team leads to increased creativity, better decision making, reduced employee turnover and increased profit – as well as many other benefits that we will be talking about. 

This special series is brought to you by the Wnet and Paysafe.

The Wnet or The Women's Network in Electronic Transactions is celebrating 15 years of helping women achieve greater personal success, influence, and professional parity in the payments industry. Wnet is a not-for-profit organization with a mission of creating a stronger and more diverse industry by empowering and investing in women. Learn how at wnetonline.org.

Paysafe is a leading, global specialized payment provider. They’ve been driving innovation in and around payments for over 20 years all over the globe for both businesses and consumers. Paysafe believes Diversity and Inclusion is not just a checkbox, but rather a journey in which they are fully committed to being on around the world. Learn more at www.paysafe.com. 

I’m honored to be joined on the seventh episode by Nasiya Acklen the DE&I Manager at Discover. 

Nasiya Acklen is a native of Nashville, TN. She received her undergraduate degree from Hampton University and began her career with General Mills in the Consumer Food Sales division. After receiving her MBA from Cornell University in 2015, she transitioned into Human Resources at ExxonMobil. Eventually she became the first to serve as the company’s Inclusion & Diversity Advisor focused on creating a more coordinated global strategy for the 3rd largest Fortune 500 company. 

Since that time, she has joined Discover Financial Services as Diversity Equity & Inclusion Manager. She is hailed as a strategic and courageous leader that is passionate about helping others internalize the value of giving a seat and a voice to all those at the table. In addition to her daily responsibilities, Nasiya is a highly regarded speaker, holds training workshops, offers DEI consultation services, and has launched an Executive Coaching practice. 

Nasiya is proud to have been inducted into the Hampton University 40 Under 40 Society in 2019. In addition, she serves as the MLT Alumni Council lead for the Houston area and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated.

As a self-professed foodie, good dancer, and lifestyle blogger, Nasiya has adopted Maya Angelou's quote as a personal mantra: My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.