During Black History Month (BHM) we’re celebrating Black Impact on Technology, recognizing the influence and contributions African Americans have on American history and Synchrony’s major investment and focus in Technology.

We sat down with our very own Trina Hill, VP, IT Leader, who supports the Finance function and leads teams that provide the technical design, strategy, execution, and integration of Finance initiatives. Trina is a phenomenal leader both within the organization and our African American+ network, and we are honored to have her share her insights with us.

What Synchrony value resonates most with you?

“Bold is the value that resonates most with me. Our history is filled with innovators who stood boldly to challenge the status quo and demand their right to live freely. I strongly believe we must continue to be bold to walk in our truth. We are all very diverse. We should be able to embrace our differences and live in full openness and truthfulness.”

What are you most proud of?

“I am most proud to be the mother of an African American son. I have the privilege to pour into him what was (and at times wasn’t) poured into to me. I am a critical part of his growth and his journey…and he is a critical part of my legacy.”

Tell us about your journey in Technology and your career at Synchrony.

“Over the past 20 years, I worked for several Fortune 100 companies in various sectors and has had several roles at Synchrony. As an IT Finance Leader, I not only leverage my understanding of technology, product development, and program execution, but also my leadership skills.”

“So often, people believe technology is only concerned with coding or programming. But the reality is, technology is as diverse as the professionals who work within it. It is not necessary to have a computer science degree to work in Technology. All you need is a winning attitude and a desire to learn and keep learning. There are so many diverse roles here. All of my roles required me to understand technology, work with technical teams to understand their processes, and deliver to our customers. I encourage more professionals to look to work in technology. New voices are necessary for continued innovation and out-of-the-box thinking. Diversity helps enhance the customer experience when our workforce is as varied as the partners and customers we serve.”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“Black History Month (BHM) means one word – PROUD. BHM reminds me to be proud of who I am, where I come from, and the people who aided my development. I am reminded that I come from hard-working, praying ancestors who never could have imagined that I would be where I am today – but prayed for me prior to my arrival. I am reminded of the hard life my grandmother lived raising eight children on 15 cents a week. I am reminded of the prayers I heard her make for my future and other family members. I am reminded of the responsibility I carry to make her and so many others proud because of their sacrifices, including their own lives. I am also reminded that I am responsible not only for leaving a legacy for my family, but for other leaders who are coming behind me, standing alongside of me, and those I have yet to meet. Although we celebrate Black History Month once a year, I celebrate and embrace all that comes with being a Black woman daily, and I wouldn’t change a thing!”

To learn more about our commitment to diversity and the African American Network+, click here.