Learning How To Navigate White-Collar Workplaces, When You Suddenly Can Afford A Compass Reading the Harvard Business Review’s article on Why Companies Should Add Class To Their Diversity Discussion gave me new words to something I have been feeling for years. Classism is the elephant in the room that we refuse to address when we talk about equity and inclusion. The …
Has Title VII Of The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 Outlived Its Usefulness? Really?
I was delivering EEOC training when the next slide was Protected Classes. I noticed some quizzical looks and furrowed brows in the audience so I gave a broad definition of Protected Class, and went on to define Title VII of the Civil Rights Act; only the most important federal statute banning discrimination in the workplace. I went on to explain that …
Let’s Be Honest; Most HR “Diversity Programs” Are for White People
I can’t be the only person that has sat in a “diversity meeting” and thought to myself, “who is this for?” As a woman of color, I rarely, if ever felt like the content was for me. But I often felt like the content was about me, namely, how to deal with me. The focus of many diversity presentations that …
Your Organization’s Commitment To LGBT Pride Month Beyond Just The Rainbow
Growing up, my parents shared many stories of the struggle, perseverance, and the marginalization of black people. My father frequently closed with, “There’s no shame in being black, it just ain’t easy at times.” He wasn’t kidding! I grew up in a society located smack dab in the middle of the land of the free, and home of the brave …
Diversity–Are We There Yet?
An auditor arrived for an ambush audit. He asked to speak with the individual who oversees HR–the receptionist called me. Minutes later I entered the conference room where I had her seat him. I extended my hand and said, “Hi I’m William Wiggins, I’m in charge of HR here, what can I do for you today?” He looked at my …
HR Girl Power in 2019
Ariana Grande proclaimed “God is a Woman,” Keith Urban sang about “Female,” and Jesse J begged girls to feel elevated and say “I am a Queen.” Fearless Girl is on the move to the NY Stock Exchange; Sheryl Sandberg focused headlines read “Fall from Grace” for her part in Facebook’s mishaps, and a new study shows a 51% wage gap …
Can a White Guy Lead Your Diversity & Inclusion Efforts?
It’s not lost on me that I’m uber-lucky to be a white male born in and living in the greatest country in the world. The land of opportunity, especially for me. Privilege and opportunity that others who work here or in other countries around the world will spend their entire lives in hopes of getting. And which some, regardless of …
The Ball Is In Our Court
This isn’t a post about women vs. men. Nor is it about the color of someone’s skin or ethnic background. It’s not even really about tennis. This is a post about teaching moments, and how frequently they seem to occur (and blur) in our professional and personal lives. The U.S. Open Women’s Championship match was one of those moments. As …
Black Panther and Leadership
Been reading a lot about diversity and inclusion work lately. Two reasons—I am responsible for Talent Acquisition and Management for a company that wants to do more in a typically male-dominated industry. Just as importantly, I have a daughter who is asking me questions about life, jobs and pop culture. If you’re an HR pro, or if you care about …
It’s Your Fault They Raised Their Hand
You’re sitting in a meeting full of intelligent people (or, at least, people who think they are intelligent). Creative juices are flowing, the conversation is rocking, opinions are being shared, and discussion gets heated. Everyone is taking turns talking, sometimes speaking over each other or cutting people off, but damn – things are getting done. The flow is happening. This …