CHICAGO--
The journey to diversify the workforce can be long and arduous, but should be one of the nation’s top priorities, said a group of corporate executives who appeared on a panel at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) annual conference.
“When we talk about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and a diverse workforce, always be centered on your why,” said Olivia Jefferson, vice president of philanthropic programs at UnitedHealthcare, who said that for many minoritized executives like herself, the higher they climb the corporate ladder, the lonelier these spaces tend to be.
Johnson joined representatives from Google and Dominion Energy to talk about the importance of focusing on DEIB within the workforce. The panel titled, “Embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Catalysts for a Flourishing Workforce,” focused in on the importance of creating an environment that values and leverages the unique perspectives, experiences and talents of all employees.
“Match the passion with the strategy,” said Jefferson, who told attendees at the HACU Town Hall that being a DEIB advocate requires a strategic approach to a set of outcomes and goals. “This is not about you. This is about getting the work done.”
That work, Jefferson admits, can be hard and tiresome, often requiring DEI practitioners to take a broad approach to inclusivity.
