Q&A with Caribbean American Heritage Committee Co-Chair

In honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, the SEC spotlights Christy White, co-chair of the agency’s Caribbean American Heritage Committee (CAHC) and a litigation attorney in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. Let’s learn more about Christy and her role with the CAHC.

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

A: My paternal grandfather worked in the library of an investment firm in Manhattan. Something about his work must have stuck with me because I ended up pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. During my last year in undergrad, I took a course that focused on the legal environment of businesses and became interested in both law school and the work of the SEC. Like many law school graduates (generally, but especially during the Great Recession), I did not get my dream job at the SEC. I worked at a mid-size firm advising business clients, drafting estate plans, and doing collections litigation. Five years later, a job posting for a collections attorney in the Division of Enforcement caught my eye. I’ve been at the SEC ever since.

Q: Why did you decide to join the CAHC, and what goals do you have for the committee in your new role as co-chair?

A: I decided to join the CAHC because both sides of my family have roots in the U.S. Virgin Islands, specifically St. Thomas and St. John. I am so excited to serve as the newly appointed co-chair of the committee with Harvey Persaud! Pre-COVID, our small but mighty group helped facilitate and host several investor education outreach events outside of the SEC focusing on topics such as affinity fraud in the Caribbean and other communities and financial literacy. We also held some great events at the Commission that allowed our colleagues a chance to socialize while experiencing Caribbean culture, food, and drinks. I look forward to helping the CAHC resume these types of activities and further grow our relationships with the local community and within the Commission.

Q: What unique perspectives do you bring to your role as CAHC co-chair 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: My husband is in local politics, which means my life is a lot more public than most. Through work on campaigns and other interactions, I have consistently witnessed the power of working collaboratively and how impactful direct outreach is to members in any community. As a result, I am inclined to think first about how the CAHC can reach and involve more and different kinds of people when brainstorming and planning events. While this is not necessarily unique, I think it is something I bring to my role as co-chair that will serve the CAHC and broader community well.

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: There is truth to the saying, “It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.” When I started law school, my uncle reached out to his network to help me secure an internship during my first summer. Through one of his contacts, I was informed of an internship opportunity for the City of Baltimore’s Legal Department. I interviewed, got the job, and was fortunate to report to a friend of my uncle’s contact. My supervisor was a superb attorney who took me under his wing and exposed me to a variety of legal issues. He also shared his time and wisdom to help build my confidence as a young, black female in a space dominated by older, white men. I grew so much as a person and law student during my time at the Legal Department. The experience I received also helped me secure a summer internship the next year with the law firm that eventually hired me after graduation.

Q: What barriers have you encountered on your career path, and what advice might you give to help others overcome similar barriers?

A: As a younger black, female attorney, I have encountered racism and sexism in subtle and not so subtle forms. I used to internalize these experiences, which often made me feel inconsequential and angry. Over the last few years, I have worked on confronting discriminatory conduct towards me rather than ignoring it. My advice to everyone is to always be your own advocate and stand up for yourself, especially in your professional life. There are no employee recognition awards for letting people minimize you and your experiences.

Q: You have two young daughters. What message would you share with them for navigating the world today?

A: I encourage my daughters (4 and almost 7) to not let fear dictate their actions and decisions. There is no shortage of scary things in this world for them to deal with, from anxiety over school to encountering prejudice and microaggressions to becoming an adult and leaving home. I want my girls to be self-assured enough to know that just because a thing is scary doesn’t mean you don’t confront or pursue it. I don’t want them to make life choices based on their ease if they do not align with who they are and what they want for themselves.