Foundational Components of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Education and Engagement

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is vital to creating and maintaining a successful workplace; one founded on the principle that all people can thrive personally and professionally. Before you begin to reevaluate your efforts and implement new practices, it’s important that you fully understand each component, both individually and how they work together. 

Using insights from three perspectives, this session will provide a foundational introduction to DEI today. 

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Johnna M. Frierson, PhD, a native of Rock Hill, SC, received her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Furman University in 2005, and PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at Vanderbilt University. Broadly, her interests and expertise lie in examining and identifying solutions to challenges at the intersection of STEM, education, and equity. Dr. Frierson translates this expertise into developing innovative programs and initiatives to enhance recruitment and retention of trainees from underrepresented backgrounds, support student development, and expand community outreach to inspire the next generation of STEM scholars.
 
In her current role as the Assistant Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Diversity and Inclusion at Duke University School of Medicine she is responsible for building and leading the IDEALS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advancement, and Leadership in the Sciences) office to support diversity and inclusion initiatives for graduate students and postdoctoral appointees working in biomedical research. 

Ricaye Harris joined Milliken & Company in 2005 and is currently the Director of Diversity & Inclusion. She began her career as a Process Improvement Specialist at Milliken’s Gayley Manufacturing Plant.
 
She is responsible for leading the efforts to create and implement a global D&I strategy company-wide, in addition to organizing and leading the 16-membered Diversity & Inclusion Council who champion the program. The key initiatives for the program focus on Hiring, Associate Development, Engagement & Retention, Community and promoting an Inclusive Culture.

Ricaye graduated from Wofford College with a B.S. in Computer Science in 2005. 

Joey Malamug '02 graduated from Furman University with a BA in Sociology and later received an MBA with an emphasis in HR Management from Webster University.  He started his HR career as a retail manager, leading the talent acquisition efforts for multiple store locations. 

As a Recruiting Manager for ScanSource, his primary responsibility is to manage the candidate lifecycle from, “hello” to “hire.”  He leads the talent acquisition strategy to help fill ScanSource positions throughout North America.  Joey’s background in Customer Service and Sales allows him to easily build relationships with candidates to find the right position for them at ScanSource.