Speak Up for Equity

Janessa Cox-Irvin believes data can help companies focus their efforts and build a more efficient strategy for diversity and inclusion work. Janessa has used that tactic in her own work as global head of diversity and inclusion at AllianceBernstein, and in this episode, she discusses AB's unique approach to creating a more equitable work environment. Janessa also offers advice to other people working in DE&I who are feeling burnt out or discouraged.

As Senior Director of Education and Exhibitions at Nashville's new National Museum of African American Music, Tamar Smithers is helping to create a space where people can learn about the vital role African Americans have played in music history. In this episode, Tamar shares her perspective on the importance of spaces like NMAAM for Black artists, and she explains how she's taking her efforts beyond the walls of the museum to engage with people around the world.

When Rosa Estrada first started working at Gentex, she worried that her limited English-speaking skills would hold her back. Today, Rosa is the controller at Gentex, and she played a key role in the company's efforts to build a limited English proficiency line. In this episode, Rosa shares about the process of developing that program, which allows Spanish-speaking employees to join the company and access all the resources they need in their native language.

Jennifer Novo recognizes that many Latino students face unique barriers to success in college, and she's committed to helping them overcome those challenges. Jennifer is the executive director of FUTURO, an inclusive college success and professional development program, and in this episode, she shares about her experience working with college students in Middle Tennessee. She also explains how leaders and hiring managers can best support the Latino community in the region.

After experiencing discrimination as a woman in tech, Alex Qin decided to start advocating for greater diversity in the industry. Alex is the founder of Emergent Works, a non-profit that trains and employs formerly incarcerated coders. In this episode, Alex shares her story and discusses some changes that need to happen so women and people of color can thrive at work. She also talks about her recent transition to filmmaking, where she hopes to tell stories about underrepresented groups.

Patrick King believes that sustainability is directly tied to issues of inequity. He's the sustainability education manager with Urban Green Lab, and he's working to implement a new Environmental Justice Initiative which will focus on helping distressed communities improve their health and lives. In this episode, Patrick explains why Nashville's Black and Brown communities are disproportionately affected by environmental problems, and also why they have the most to gain from sustainability efforts.

Brynn Plummer wants Nashville to recognize the enormous potential she sees in its entrepreneurs of color. As Vice President of Inclusion and Community Relations at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Brynn works to equip entrepreneurs with resources while also trying to make entrepreneurship more equitable. In this episode, she explains how the EC has shifted its efforts to focus more on equity and inclusion and offers insight into the current landscape of entrepreneurship in Nashville

John Baldwin understands that when healthcare teams are more diverse, they're better equipped to serve patients. John is the chief operating officer of hospitals and clinics for Cancer Treatment Centers of America Atlanta, and in this episode, he explains how healthcare organizations can create more trustful relationships with communities of color. He also discusses the implications of healthcare inequity in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout.

Ebonee Davis Ifeobu has played a key role in helping Bridgestone create greater equity, as the executive director of talent, culture and diversity. In this episode, she explains how Bridgestone has responded to the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other Black Americans in 2020. She also argues that it's important for corporations to focus on building lasting change rather than hurrying to respond to a problem, and she explains why equity should play a major part in that response.

In our first episode of Speak Up for Equity, a new podcast from the Tennessee Diversity Consortium, Ashford Hughes shares his efforts to create a more equitable environment for students as Executive Officer for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Metro Nashville Public Schools. He also explains how understanding Nashville's history can help us create a roadmap for addressing inequity today.

Equity is about eliminating difference-based (race, gender, etc.) outcome gaps so that these differences do not predict one's success. Join Tennessee Diversity Consortium Executive Director, Robert Wilson, as we elevate model practices for improving equity within Middle TN.