Member Spotlight: Gavita Kissoon-Evans
Fun Fact:
As a member of the Guyanese diaspora, Gavita is passionate about building community and believes deeply in the importance of lifting as you climb. Outside of work, Gavita enjoys practicing yoga and has a strong passion for health and wellness.
What is a big risk you have taken, and how did it work out?
In 2018, I bet on myself. Just six months after buying a home in New York, I relocated to Seattle for a role with AWS. It was a huge personal and professional leap and one that paid off. My time at Amazon has transformed my career and broadened my perspective through the people I’ve met and learned from. I discovered a passion for solving complex problems, creating opportunities for others, and building infrastructure. The biggest lesson? Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.
What are some of the tools in your skill-set which have been critical to you in your career?
One of my most valuable skills is perspective-thinking: the ability to step outside my own point of view, understand how others see a situation, and shift my perspective as the facts change. I lead with empathy and neutrality, which helps me challenge my assumptions and make better decisions. My favorite Amazon Leadership Principle, “Are Right, A Lot,” captures this mindset: being right isn’t about always having the answer; it’s about being open to being wrong. I’ve found that the strongest decisions come from curiosity, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to change my mind.
Who or what inspires you now? Why?
My son inspires me most. I lost my mother young and grew up navigating adversity that forced me to mature quickly. I could have allowed those circumstances to define my future, but instead, I became determined to change the trajectory of my life. I’ve worked hard to build a life I’m proud of, intentionally choosing my opportunities and the people around me. Today, my five-year-old son gives that purpose even greater meaning. He inspires me to live intentionally, lead with resilience, and create a life and legacy that are bigger than what I started with.