How art inspires innovation and affirms Black heritage

Artistic expression often sparks innovation. That’s why, in recognition of Black History Month, ServiceNow is celebrating how the artistry of Black employees and their allies fuels innovation.

Two members of our Black at ServiceNow community proudly share their stories of Black heritage and how their artistic pursuits—advanced education and pottery—ignite their innovation.

Taking a bold step

Kendra B., a principal platform architect at ServiceNow, began her career journey as a schoolteacher. After nearly eight years in the classroom, she wanted a different path that offered both financial stability and personal growth for her and her family. That’s when she decided to pursue a degree in computer information systems.

“I wanted to reach a goal, then set another goal, and another goal, and another goal,” Kendra says. “That’s what ultimately made me decide on tech. I wanted to provide more for my family and to inspire my children.”

For a single mother of three, switching careers was no easy feat. “I had three young children, who all went to different school locations every day,” Kendra continues. “I was going to school full time as well as working full time. There were times when cereal was dinner.”

What helped Kendra persevere through it all was taking time to be with her children—the reason for her career switch in the first place. Celebrating little wins, such as earning a certification or passing a test, also helped her morale.

Starting from a blank canvas

When Kendra thinks about how her experience and her computer information systems degree spark innovation, she sees the future as a blank canvas. “I’m using what I’ve learned, the skills that I’m growing, to paint the direction of my future into a new path,” she says.

“When I look back at where I’ve come from and where I’m going, it wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t taken that bet on myself,” she adds. Kendra hopes her story encourages others who may be considering a career switch to take that chance on themselves.

“Fear is very limiting,” she says. “That’s one thing that I must keep reminding myself—don’t be afraid, even if you fail. Learning how to fail is the key to success, in my opinion.”

Creating something from nothing

“When I read that this year’s theme for Black History Month is ‘Our Art Sparks Innovation,’ the first thing that came to mind for me personally was pottery,” says Shanna D., senior manager for customer success at ServiceNow.

In high school, Shanna took a pottery class thinking it would be fun and an easy A. It quickly became a big part of her life. “I’m now able to share [pottery] with my kids, share it with their friends, and teach them about pottery,” she says. “It’s just a joy to create something out of nothing.”

Pottery gives Shanna the opportunity to disconnect and de-stress from trials in her life. “There’s something about having my hands and arms covered in mud and just being able to zone out,” she says. “It’s been a really big calming factor for me.”

Educating the next generation

As the only Black person in many of her pottery classes, Shanna is passionate about preserving and sharing the rich history of Black potters in the United States. Through workshops and educational presentations, she introduces children to the artistry of Black pottery, empowering future generations to appreciate their cultural legacy.

“The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a display on Black potters out of South Carolina, from slavery times,” Shanna says. “There’s been a lot of effort lately to go back and capture history that wasn’t really regarded as American history, and that includes the work of Black potters.”

She’s excited that her oldest daughter, who’s 11, can start going to the studio with her. Shanna hopes to instill in her daughter the reality that you can do something you love without necessarily being great at it—you can practice art for the joy of it.

Weaving a masterpiece

Everyone’s artistic journey—whether through expanded knowledge or hands-on craftsmanship—contributes to a tapestry of innovation. At ServiceNow, we empower employees to bring their authentic selves to work, fostering a culture of belonging, collaboration, and creativity.

Join us in celebrating Black History Month, and discover a workplace where your passion and creativity are valued. Explore ServiceNow careers.