On Friday, February 26, 2021, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel for Rutgers Professional Science Master's Program on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as it relates to STEM professionals.
As February is Black History Month, it is important to me that we share the stories of Black professionals specifically. The challenges that Black employees face in the workplace are seldom heard. We had a dynamic conversation about how it feels to constantly be the "other.”
We occupy spaces that were not designed for us to be there, which leads to a constant mental strain. We highlighted that Black professionals rarely get constructive feedback but are not promoted at equal rates to their counterparts. Lastly, the discussion ended with comments on how Black talent must change the language about being grateful in our roles because we deserve to be there just like anyone else. The conversation was not only thought-provoking but was a call to action.
DEI is not a one-sided conversation that should fall on the backs of those who are marginalized. DEI should be a top-down effect that fuels a company's culture. Thank you so much to Abbe Lynn Rosenthal, MA, PCC for providing the platform, and thank you so much to the panelists: Kierra Holroyd , Mona Terrell Wallace, and Coltrane Stansbury!
#DEI #leadership #stem #blackprofessionals #rutgers
