Magdalonie Paris-Campbell, a proud native of Haiti, serves as an inspirational figure for Caribbean Americans, leaving a lasting impact through her achievements in both the corporate and public service realms.

Born in Port-au-Prince to young parents, she faced numerous challenges. Her journey to the United States began at the age of 7, marked by her status as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals child.

Overcoming the obstacles of being undocumented until the age of 19, she supported herself through various odd jobs until attaining US citizenship at 24. Raised by her late grandmother, Annelle Rose Paris, Magdalonie emerged as the sole family member to secure a master’s education from an Ivy League institution.

In her professional journey, Magdalonie has held significant roles, including Social Worker, District Director for the State Senate, and Regional Director for the United States Senate.

She has dedicated over 15 years to steering community engagement efforts and contributing to the formulation of strategic public policies, with her ultimate measure of success being tangible transformation.

With a proven record in public communications, she has excelled in cultivating stakeholder trust and shaping legislative outcomes. Currently, she holds the position of Director of External Affairs at AT&T Services, Inc., where she leads all Long Island-based activities.

This role involves collaborations with local governments and amplifying AT&T’s presence in diverse communities through legislative initiatives and philanthropic efforts.

Magdalonie’s achievements include pioneering initiatives such as promoting civic education for minority millennials, empowering students to uplift local black-owned businesses through video production and enhancing children’s safety awareness through park restoration projects.

Her impactful leadership earned her a distinguished position on the inaugural Who’s Who in Government Relations list in New York.

Her career is built on authenticity, courage, and a commitment to impactful change. With a Master’s degree in Social Work Enterprise Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, she embodies a dedication to fostering community involvement and harmonious relationships among local business and government leaders, as well as families.

Her journey boasts accolades in executive roles, lobbying, and community advocacy, seamlessly merging public service into a professional art form.

Magdalonie’s spare moments are dedicated to mentoring young adults, guiding them through life’s challenges, aiding in their career pursuits, political engagement, and personal growth.

One of her aspirations is to empower Millennials and Gen Z to actively participate in Congress and all facets of governance, contributing to a brighter world. With an eye on the future for her three young sons, she passionately supports health, and fitness, and volunteers within local community organizations.

As a woman in the external affairs industry, I’ve closely observed several significant challenges, which are corroborated by data.

This sector has a longstanding history of male dominance, with statistics indicating that women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. According to industry reports, diversity, both in terms of gender and ethnicity, remains a persistent issue, with limited progress in closing the gender and racial gaps.

Navigating meetings, particularly when a majority of clients hold executive roles and are male, aligns with the broader industry trend, where women are less likely to occupy senior positions. Additionally, establishing my authority when entering rooms, without being unfairly labeled as aggressive, is a shared experience reported by many women in similar roles.

Furthermore, achieving excellence in my field can sometimes lead to unjust labels of being overly zealous, a phenomenon that has been documented in studies on workplace gender dynamics.

These challenges, backed by empirical data, underscore the urgent need to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities within the external affairs industry. Part of my mission involves actively identifying and promoting diversity, encompassing both gender and ethnicity, within the industry, one event or meeting at a time.