Empowering Communities: This Director's Commitment to Paying It Forward

For Siatta Ollison, giving back is one of the most important aspects of her life, both professionally and personally. Her dedication to paying it forward began when she received a life-changing opportunity to pursue a fully funded education through her high school work-study program. Her mentor at the time advised her to “always reach back and help someone.”

“I’ve lived by that motto and continue to give back daily,” she says. 

Now, as the Director within Health Solutions for Alight Solutions, she carves out time to support her colleagues’ growth. “I engage in one-on-ones, mentor women in career and personal development, and provide resources to navigate the corporate environment,” she says.

Ollison also leads Alight’s longest-running colleague-led community, the Black Professional Network (BPN), which aims to empower colleagues at Alight by fostering a culture of inclusion while providing growth opportunities. Her work with BPN began over 15 years ago, and she has held a global leadership role for the last five years. 

“I became involved due to a need that arose in our Atlanta location, where there was a need to remain relevant and be heard,” she shares. “I stood up to the challenge, driven by my deep passion for service and people.” 

Here, we caught up with Ollison to learn more about her work within BPN, the wins she is most proud of, and how she sustains the work she does every day “with clarity and purpose.” 

Please tell us about Alight Solutions and your work as Director within Health Solutions. How long have you been in this role, and what were you doing previously? 

Alight Solutions provides comprehensive benefits, wellbeing, retirement, absence management, and healthcare navigation solutions to optimize workforce efficiency and engagement, empowering employees to make confident decisions.

As Director within Health Solutions at Alight Solutions, I lead my team in delivering high-quality solutions for day-to-day operations, ensuring customer satisfaction and business growth. With over 20 years of experience at Alight, I have held roles in technology, project management, and operations, and am deeply involved in our inclusion and diversity initiatives. 

My expertise spans overseeing operations for Fortune 500 companies across various sectors, with a focus on delivery, customer experience, engagement, and wellbeing strategies. Before joining Alight, I worked as an analyst in global technology information services at Andersen Consulting, following my degree in electrical engineering from Clark Atlanta University.

We understand that you lead Alight’s longest-running Colleague-Led Community (CLC), the Black Professional Network. Could you tell us more about this CLC?  

Our vision is to lead inclusive strategies that attract, develop, and retain underrepresented talent – while contributing to a workplace culture where all colleagues feel seen, support, and empowered to thrive at Alight and in the communities we serve.

Our mission is to champion programs and partnerships that elevate underrepresented voices and foster equitable access to mentorship, skill-building, and growth – contributing to an environment where inclusion is intentional, and everyone is welcome. 

What accomplishment of the Black Professional Network are you most proud of? 

I’m proud that we were able to work on implementing the CROWN Act policy within Alight and directly influence updates to our dress code guidelines. This aligns with our BPN mission of ensuring we’re heard and seen. While some may question the importance of this topic, it was a comprehensive effort involving several BPN members, allowing others to understand its significance.

Could you tell me a bit about how the BPN CLC works at Alight Solutions?

At Alight Solutions, our CLC meets for up to 45 minutes on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. The last 15 minutes are dedicated to connecting with BPN leadership and other members in a safe space, with the recording turned off. We’ve also added an informal meeting called the BPN Lunchtime Lounge, which provides an opportunity for networking and discussing specific topics not covered in our formal calls. This call is not recorded and serves as a time for all colleagues who join to discuss anything they would like. My open question is, “What’s on your mind, and how can I help?”

In what ways does this CLC reflect the values and overall culture of Alight Solutions?

The BPN CLC reflects Alight Solutions’ values and culture by championing inclusion, empathy, and integrity. We foster a sense of belonging and support, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. 

Through initiatives like the CROWN Act policy, providing business insights and opportunities at the company, and our monthly meetings, we embody the spirit of “Be Alight,” promoting professional growth, continuous learning, and a safe space for open dialogue. This commitment to diversity and inclusion aligns with Alight’s mission to connect passion with purpose and create a thriving environment for everyone. All are welcome.

Does Alight Solutions offer professional development programs, such as leadership, mentoring, and returnship programs?  

Alight Solutions offers professional development opportunities within specific lines of business through our Alight Academy, as well as in partnership with external organizations and clients. McKinsey has been a valued partner, providing opportunities from early career development to executive leadership. BPN was also instrumental in piloting our live mentoring program, which we now offer to all colleagues. We recognized the need and wanted to ensure we were at the forefront of providing this much-needed opportunity, regardless of how long individuals have been with the organization.

How has Alight Solutions engaged with or supported its communities? Is this done on a global, national, or local level? 

Alight Solutions engages with and supports global, national, and local communities through various meaningful initiatives. One of the most impactful is our internal platform, Alight Cares, which empowers colleagues to give back through volunteerism and charitable giving. Volunteerism and giving are at the heart of what we do, and colleagues can explore opportunities, track their impact, and even become Alight Cares Volunteer Champions.  

In addition to Alight Cares, we’ve partnered with organizations like McKinsey for leadership development, joined the Time to Vote initiative to support civic engagement, and launched colleague-led communities that advocate for inclusion and equity. These efforts reflect our commitment to creating a culture of empathy, purpose, and social responsibility within Alight and the communities we serve.

What do you think other companies can learn from how Alight Solutions approaches CLCs and D&I initiatives?  

Other companies can learn a great deal from Alight Solutions by recognizing the power of intentionality, structure, and authenticity. At Alight, our CLCs—like the Black Professional Network—are not just symbolic; they’re embedded in the fabric of our culture and strategy. We focus on creating safe spaces, amplifying underrepresented voices, and driving real change.

Our D&I efforts are supported by leadership, tied to business goals, and resourced with time and tools, such as our mentoring programs and community engagement platforms. We also prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that our initiatives are not just performative but impactful. The key takeaway for other organizations is this: When you empower your people to lead, listen to their needs, and back it up with action, you create a culture where everyone can thrive.

Outside of work, what was the last piece of media you read, watched, or listened to that positively impacted your worldview?

A close friend recently shared a YouTube video by Sarah Jakes Roberts titled “Stop Being Available to Everyone,” and it resonated with me, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month. 

The message was a timely reminder that as a leader, I can’t fully show up for my community, work, or personal life if I’m constantly pouring from an empty cup. It reinforced the importance of setting boundaries and being intentional with my time and energy. That perspective helps me sustain the work I do every day, with clarity and purpose. In light of all the noise outside the work walls, it’s essential to maintain this view to allow for a broader impact on those I serve.