Rosanna Durruthy knows how to find the missing link. As the VP of Global Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at LinkedIn, she works to make sure every member of her team feels empowered and capable of reaching their full potential. (Kind of like your favorite SoulCycle instructor, but sans the sweatpants.) We accepted Rosanna’s invitation to connect, then asked all about her exceptional career.

What is your title?
I am currently the Vice President, Global Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at LinkedIn, where I work to realize LinkedIn’s vision to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.

What was your first job?
Working in my father’s medical practice. (Yes, it was the ultimate connection.) It was also no pay, high expectations from my boss, and the opportunity to build skills in communication and customer service.

What was your college major?
I was accepted to Harvard at 16 and my intended major was government and humanities. But I took a leave of absence at 17 when my parents went through a difficult divorce. What I do today did not exist as a career option when I was younger, and I think the emotional intelligence gained from overcoming difficult situations has been invaluable in navigating my career in diversity and talent.

What internships did you do prior to your first job?
I was fortunate to have an eight month internship with the National Urban League’s community development team. The experience I gained exposed me to important ideas and skills that are closely associated with what I do today: Concepts of equality, inclusion and economic empowerment aren’t that far off from “Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.”

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
“You are never your circumstances.” Which brings to mind the George Bernard Shaw quote, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” I received the former advice much later in life, but it allowed me to see how true George Bernard Shaw’s words are.

Is there any part of your role that our readers would be surprised to know?
Most people think diversity, inclusion and belonging is only about workplace dynamics. I think they’d be surprised to know it’s about growth and how business, academia, society and communities build healthy environments for talent to thrive, innovate and prosper.