Although countless studies show how diversity can positively impact the bottom line, companies will only unlock those benefits when they create an inclusive culture that both encourages diverse perspectives to speak up and provides pathways to climb the corporate ladder. Kesha Carter has dedicated herself to this work to not only give diverse voices a "seat at the table, but also a plate and a fork and a knife!" Tune in to this episode to hear actionable best practices for creating a more inclusive culture that nurtures diversity at all levels of leadership in your organization! Kesha has broken barriers as the first ever Chief Diversity Officer for CCSI, leading CCSI through a multi phased approach resulting in growth and new experiences for individual employees and the organization. She is a board member of Literacy Rochester, the recruitment and selection committee chair for AALDP (African American Leadership Development), a current candidate for Gates Town Council, and a current Athena Young Professional finalist. Kesha was a Democrat & Chronicle “Woman to Watch” in October 2016, she has facilitated D&I workshops locally and nationally for groups of various sizes and she is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Kesha is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP). She also holds a Six Sigma Green Belt from Villanova University and a Professional Human Resources certification from the Human Resource Capital Institute. She earned her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Keuka College.
[2:00] Kesha's path toward a career in diversity and inclusion
[4:45] Emphasizing diversity at all levels of leadership
Read Kesha's RBJ Article here: https://rbj.net/2019/09/04/inclusive-leadership-can-inspire-minority-employees-to-achieve/
[6:15] The bottom line impacts of diversity, when they are "not only given a seat at the table, but also a plate and a fork and a knife!"
[10:00] Simple practices to get started: Stepping back as a leader and encouraging dissent with the Yom Kippur Rule
[15:00] Practices for encouraging more diverse leadership
-Job postings
-Hiring and interviewing
[26:00] Services as Coordinated Care Services, Inc.
Learn more at https://www.ccsi.org
[29:20] Building culture with a remote workforce
[32:30] The journey toward understanding and dismantling structural racism through open and vulnerable conversation
[37:00] Best practices for having conversations that help others start their journey
[42:00] Racial Equity & Justice Initiative (REJI) learning together and sharing best practices for diversity and inclusion
Learn more here: https://www.sjncenter.org/REJI
[47:30] Getting more businesses from the for-profit sector involved: "What are you most proud of and how does it affect the community?"