Our heritage influences our work and professional life in profound and unique ways. It shapes our values, perspectives, and the approach we bring to our career. This Hispanic Heritage Month, hear how Pearson’s VP Sales HE, Dolly Womack, has harnessed the power of her Hispanic heritage to guide her journey.
How has your passion for learning and education impacted your life?
Growing up in poverty in the Bronx, NY, and later moving to Baton Rouge, LA, I was the first in my family to go to college. My passion for education has impacted everything I've done. Several of my family members never achieved a high school diploma, so I had a goal to get a master's degree. Reframing education as something I wanted to do has shaped my identity as a person, and also my career. It’s why I continually advocate for the impact that education can have on someone’s life. Education can empower you and open many doors.
How has your cultural background shaped your professional journey?
Many in my family are first-generation, with Spanish as their first language. As a child, I often translated for my grandmother in real-life situations like at the doctor’s office and on business calls. We had real conversations with adults, helping our elders. In my life and career, I've met and worked with many non-native English speakers. My heritage taught me how to listen, show compassion, and ask questions the right questions to make people feel comfortable.
Describe a time when your Hispanic heritage influenced your work.
I was visiting a predominantly Hispanic college in South Florida to sell technology. The non-Hispanic instructor gave a brief overview of the products, but the students struggled to grasp the value the technology could offer. I stepped in to explain the benefits of our technology in both English and Spanish. I even pointed out that our eBook feature has a Spanish version. Speaking to them in our shared language gave me a deep sense of pride and connection. They saw a reflection of themselves in me. I was able to bring a community together and say, ‘I'm here, I speak your language, and I can help.’
How does your Hispanic heritage influence your leadership style?
My Hispanic heritage makes my leadership bold and direct. Growing up in a lively, fun, and outspoken environment taught me how to speak up and get my point across, which has helped me take a seat at the table in my career. I bring this energy and culture into my corporate leadership role. I love encouraging my team to celebrate what’s important to us—family, pets, or anything meaningful. Family is everything in Hispanic culture, and I embrace that at work too.
What’s your best career advice?
Raise your hand for what you want. Waiting for someone to come to you with an opportunity isn’t going to work. You need to be bold, assertive, and say, ‘This is what I want. I may not be ready now, but what steps do I need to take to get there?’ Getting comfortable with that is key. Believe that if you want to achieve something, you can absolutely achieve it.
What’s a milestone you attribute to your heritage and cultural values?
My achievements, including earning a leadership role in a large company and pursuing my MBA, stem from my culture, where hard work and continuous learning are a core part of our heritage and values. On a personal note, I’m a living organ donor—I donated a kidney to a family friend. People often ask why, but helping others is part of who I am. In my culture, family, community, and service matter. If I have something, you have something. If I’m cooking, come with a bowl.
Dolly Womack is the Vice President, Sales for Pearson’s US Higher Education division, and the executive sponsor of ¡HOLA!, Pearson’s employee resource group that supports and creates community for colleagues within the Hispanic and Latinx community.