Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Keynote Speaking from Decide Diversity

Shortly after the Black Lives Matter movement started to gain momentum, I walked into work and saw a stress ball in the shape of a coffee cup on my chair. Written across the front in bold lettering: #coffeematters. 

I approached my boss and explained why this was hurtful and offensive, and the conversation eventually led me to our CEO’s corner office. He was unaware of the movement, despite running a large, national company. I was shocked. How can you serve the people in these communities and not know what’s happening? 

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Most organizations do not intentionally create cultures that lack diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, it takes a bold  leader to initiate change and challenge conventional, “but it’s always been done this way” thinking. It also takes a commitment from everyone—intern to c-suite—in order to create true, sustainable change.

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At this particular company, there was no one in leadership who looked like me, a Black woman. Despite my efforts, unfortunately there was also no one in leadership who was willing to commit to the work on an organizational or an individual level.

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That’s when I made the decision to dedicate my life’s work to becoming an empathetic, audacious guide to help organizations who are ready to commit to deep-rooted, lasting change.