Hotel Exec Dzidra Junior Wishes She’d Learned Earlier to Be Loyal to Herself

Featuring a broad cross-section of women who have distinguished themselves across a rich variety of careers, our Portraits of Power series is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Black Enterprise, and of black women. It’s a place for today’s businesswomen to share their own favorite images and their own stories, in their own words. Today’s portrait is hotel executive Dzidra Junior.

Dzidra Junior

Director of Global Sales, MGM Resorts International

My first job was as a medical data entry clerk.

My big break came when I was hired to be the National Diversity Sales Manager at MGM Resorts International.

I’ve had to work hardest at managing and maintaining a successful, respected ‘Brand Dzidra,’ professionally and personally.

I never imagined I would be diagnosed with breast cancer and live to tell.

I wish I’d learned sooner that, when it comes to my career, being loyal to myself should trump being loyal to a company.

The risk I regret not taking is … WOW … knowing how to truly follow my heart.

If I could design my fantasy self-care day, it would be spent waking up in a villa at Montecristo Estates in Cabo San Lucas, with a chef to prepare all of my meals and the means to do whatever I want to do.

As a divorced mother of a high school senior, preparing to transition my son into college keeps me up at night. The thought of him living out of state has left me sleepless and breathless.

When I’m struggling, I say to myself, this too shall pass.

I am unapologetically authentic and head-over-heels in love with myself.

Portraits of Power is a yearlong series of candid insights from exceptional women leaders. It is brought to you by ADP.