Caribbean American Heritage Month: Maryse Mills-Apenteng

The SEC's success in achieving its mission is due in large part to the agency’s ability to attract, hire, develop, and retain a high-quality, technically proficient, and diverse workforce. Any SEC employee can voluntarily participate in workplace affinity groups that plan educational and cultural programs and help facilitate inclusiveness throughout the agency.

The SEC periodically features a Q&A with an employee involved in one of its affinity groups to understand how they strengthen the agency's diversity and inclusion efforts. To commemorate Caribbean American Heritage Month, here’s a featured Q&A with Maryse Mills-Apenteng, an attorney in the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance (CF), a member of the agency’s Caribbean American Heritage Committee (CAHC) and a co-facilitator in CF's Inclusion Action Group (IAG) that helps ensure inclusion in the workplace and in job recruiting. She shares her background, her role with the CAHC and IAG, and some of her insights into the celebration of Caribbean American heritage.

Q: Can you share a little about your background and the path that brought you to the SEC?

A: I pursued international studies in college, and my first real job was with the non-profit organization TransAfrica and TransAfrica Forum. I spent 13 great years there, met my husband there, and my co-workers became lifelong friends. While working there, I saw that our efforts to impact U.S. foreign policy were strengthened by our collaboration with various legal teams. I wanted to have that kind of impact and decided to apply to law school. The career office at my law school pointed me to various work opportunities, and ultimately I joined the SEC Honors Program in 2000 right out of law school. So, this is my second career, and I’ve been in the Division of Corporation Finance ever since.

Q: Why did you decide to join the CAHC, as well as co-facilitate Corporation Finance (CF) Inclusion Action Group (IAG)?, and what goals do you have for the committees?

A: My mother is from Haiti and I have Caribbean heritage in my DNA! I joined the African American Council and the CAHC because I felt connected to both groups. I have always been motivated to support cultural initiatives of all types. Outside of work, I devote much of my volunteer time to supporting international youth exchange programs. I am a lead on the Division of Corporation Finance’s legal intern selection committee. I’ve made it a personal goal to support diversity in our recruitment efforts since I believe a career at the SEC has much to offer. Getting involved in our newly formed Inclusion Action Group was a natural next step. The IAG has two subcommittees – one focused on inclusion, which emphasizes cultural celebrations and diversity conversations, and one focused on outreach and recruitment. I felt the IAG’s goals aligned well with my personal goals, so joining this committee was an easy next step. I hope to see an effective IAG that actively promotes inclusion and diversity in the workplace through engaging programs. As co-lead for outreach and recruitment, I hope that we will build a strong pipeline of diverse talent that begins as early as the high school level.

Q: What unique perspectives do you bring to your roles with CAHC and IAG that you may draw upon to help enhance diversity, equity and inclusion both internally at the agency and externally in the community that we serve?

A: I have had many wonderful experiences in college and law school as well as a professional career and international travels, all of which have opened doors for me. I’ve also experienced bumps in the road that have opened my eyes to some workplace challenges people face. I believe all those experiences have informed my views on the need for, and benefits of having, a diverse workplace that not only welcomes differences but actively promotes engagement. I’m so glad we have affinity groups where we can freely and fully express our shared interests. I’m also happy to contribute in this small way to building connections with students who may someday work here.

Q: At the SEC, we emphasize the importance of mentorship, sponsorship and internships as conduits for creating personal and professional opportunities. Is there a person, experience or event that was pivotal to helping you get to where you are today?

A: The time I spent working at TransAfrica was an education like no other. I started in an entry-level position and worked up to Deputy Director. During those years, I built a network of colleagues who supported me as a person, no matter what my career direction was. That support was foundational. When I decided to start law school, I received a lot of encouragement from that group, which was very meaningful to me. I am grateful to have been surrounded by that kind of support. I’m sure that much of what I can accomplish today relates back to the growth experiences from that time and those foundational relationships.

Q: The Caribbean American Heritage Committee has held several book club discussions and events with food as well as the CF IAG co-hosting a lunch and learning event earlier this year. How is food connected to learning about the myriad of cultures comprising the Caribbean?

A: I think because most people love to try new foods and are curious about other cultures. Food is a tangible and delightful expression of our culture. Sharing dishes from around the world is an easy way to experience another culture without having to travel! Also, we usually make our specialty dishes with a certain kind of love and care, so sharing those dishes is deeply personal and, I believe, helps to create a meaningful connection with others. It’s another way we can show up at work as our whole selves, which is a good thing.

Q: What one piece of advice would you give to the next generation based on your experiences, including as a previous adjunct professor at Georgetown Law Center and a parent?

A: One thing I’ve struggled with over the years is not always having the self-confidence to go after that opportunity, job, or dream. Looking back, I see that I was only holding myself back. Sometimes fear of failure, competition, or other fears keep us from moving toward the goals we envision for ourselves, and we may fall back on what’s safe, what looks good, or what our family or someone else expects of us. As an aside, I note that my daughter doesn’t have this problem. I don’t know where she gets the abundance of self-confidence from! But if I could, I would bottle it and give it away because that will help you stretch yourself, grow, and move in the direction you decide for yourself. When I applied to teach at Georgetown, I had to overcome many of those fears! And what a growth opportunity that was for me—I’m glad I did it. The more I go after my own goals and dreams without letting my fears stop me, the better, happier, and stronger I feel. So, my advice would be to find personal and professional ways to express yourself, stretch yourself, and gain more self-awareness and self-confidence. As your accomplishments start to stack up, your self-confidence will do the same. This could involve seeking stretch assignments, rotations, special projects, and volunteering at work. These things can expose you to new opportunities and help you learn what you’re good at and what you like doing.