Corissa: Impact Through Connection and Quality

You have been at Evonik for 10 years. Looking back, what part of your experience has stayed most meaningful for you?

The most meaningful part of my experience has been the relationships I have built over time and how they have supported my effectiveness across different roles. Building a strong network within the organization enhanced collaboration, strengthened trust, and made problem solving more efficient. Creating impact by contributing to business outcomes while also helping to build a foundation for others to succeed is a key part of my motivation. People do not always stay because of the job. They stay for the people and the community they build together.

As you reflect on your career journey at Evonik what insights or lessons can you share with others?

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that growth doesn't have to be linear to be meaningful. Moving from an entry-level operator role into quality assurance while also leading an Employee Resource Group (ERG), taught me that your impact isn't limited to your job title. My career in Quality Assurance (QA) taught me the importance of consistency, accountability, and speaking up when something matters. My experiences in Evonik's Employee Resource Group BUILD (Blacks United In Leadership and Development), I learned how to lead, advocate, and create space for others. Those experiences really complemented each other and helped me grow not just professionally, but personally. If there's one message I'd share, it's this: don't be afraid to step outside your defined role. Some of the most valuable growth comes from raising your hand, taking on new challenges, and investing in people not just processes.

Over your decade at Evonik, what's one keyway your roles have contributed to safety, compliance, or continuous improvement?

When I stepped into the the QA Auditor role, there was a unique set of challenges that provided me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the topic of continuous improvement. I found that staying consistent, leveraging resources, and tapping into the network I've built across the company helped me make strides while also identifying opportunities to improve processes along the way. What's most rewarding is being able to look back not just in this role, but in previous ones and see that the changes I helped implement that are still making an impact. To me, that's what continuous improvement is really about, creating solutions that last and add value over time.

What inspired you to actively engage in Evonik's Employee Resource Group BUILD (Blacks United In Leadership and Development), and what impact do you hope your involvement has had in the ERG?

BUILD and ERGs create space for connection, shared perspectives, and growth while supporting diversity and inclusion. For me, the value of ERGs is in fostering those connections and empowering others to reach their potential. My goal is to help create an environment where people feel supported, heard, and encouraged; while also continuing to learn from the diverse experiences of those around me. As Congressman John Lewis once said, "We all have a responsibility to get into 'good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."  In my work with ERGs, I strive to embody that spirit by advocating, supporting, and creating positive change wherever I can by helping colleagues grow, raising voices, and making a lasting impact. 

What does life look like outside of Evonik?

Outside of work, I stay grounded through community involvement, mentoring young women, and my work with service focused organizations like the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. I also enjoy sewing, hiking, traveling, beekeeping, and being active in my church community. These activities help me stay centered and energized, which ultimately supports how I show up at work.