News Item

02.28.2022

Black History Month Spotlight: Meta

World Business Chicago promotes and spotlights notable Black & Brown business leaders and entrepreneurs to help inspire students, entrepreneurs and leaders of startups and companies, of others who are paving the way, charting new and interesting paths in business.

Today we spotlight the Vice President & Head of Scaled Solutions, Global Business Marketing and Head of Office at Meta, Ms. Judy Toland

Growing up in Florissant, MO (a northern suburb of St. Louis), Toland was a part of a tight knit family surrounded by a large extended family. She shares more about her childhood —

“The school I attended hosted an annual multi day overnight trip for eighth graders to Chicago. I will never forget the positive imprint Chicago left on me in those three short days. I was in awe of the hustle and bustle, the architecture, the EL, the amazing museums and parks, and most importantly the glorious diversity of people, languages, and cultures. I remember the burst of energy the city gave me. And I knew, right then, at some point in my life this place would be my home. And I was right.” 

Judy expresses that business is truly embedded in her DNA with both of her paternal and maternal grandparents being small business owners. She gives a look into her interest in the business industry —

“I grew up inspired by an Aunt of mine who was a successful small business owner. But my personal passion for business was truly sparked by my early participation in INROADS, a leadership development program for high school and college students. I learned the language and rhythm of business and potential career options. And once I arrived at Northwestern University, I learned first hand through on-campus speakers and returning alumni that I could pair my love of math and science, since I was studying to be a chemical engineer, with many business facing careers, from marketing to sales.” 

As Toland looks back and gives advice to upcoming students and future business leaders, she shares a story that she experienced —

“Very early in my career, a wise woman who was my mentor once said, “Judy you must become comfortable being uncomfortable, because in those times of uncomfortableness, you are growing, stretching, learning something new, becoming better.” Chicago allows you the unique opportunity to get uncomfortable in a nurturing environment, full of people eager to mentor and support you, and grow a career across a diversity of industries that surpass your wildest dreams.” 

For more information about Meta or Judy Toland please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/judithstatumtoland/#experience.

Related News

News Item

03.24.2023

A Chat about Alicia Ponce’s Work

Tell us a bit about the industry you are in and the work you focus on. Architecture is an industry where we get to define a city’s culture and history. …

View article

Blog

NEWS

News Item

03.20.2023

Getting to Know DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey

Tell us about where you grew up and tell a special high school memory/story. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and went to Santa Monica High School; high…

View article

Blog

NEWS

News Item

02.28.2023

Black History Spotlight - Blake Anthony-Johnson

A Conversation with Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO and President of Chicago Sinfonietta Blake-Anthony Johnson’s multifaceted career has included work as a performer, collaborator, recording artist, and

View article

Blog

NEWS

News Item

02.28.2023

Black History Spotlight - Leon Walker

Meet Leon Walker Over the past 20 years, Leon I. Walker, Esq., has spearheaded cutting-edge community development projects that have generated thousands of new jobs and brought grocery stores and&hell

View article
Translate »