Diversity in the Workplace

Over the last few years, the demand for chief diversity officers has been on the rise across the United States. According to a July 2020 article by CNBC, “job postings for diversity and inclusion roles on Glassdoor are up 55% since early June when the conversation around racial tensions — and corporate America’s response —took center stage.” But chief diversity officers cannot change company culture alone. It’s imperative that everyone—from new hires to executive leaders— deliberate on their biases, practices and behaviors to examine how we may be perpetuating inequalities and what we can do better. 

Reflection is a necessary first step in taking action. 2020 is the year for widespread reflection of our systems, the consistent inequalities that exist and how we can create opportunities for all races, ethnicities, genders, sexuality and religion, as well as the neurodiverse to sit at the table. We find ourselves at an important juncture and organizations have an opportunity to identify practice and the underlying values that either sustain or eliminate oppressive and exclusionary policies.  

Co-sponsored by the Center for Inclusion and Diversity at Saint Joseph’s and moderated by Tim Tabthong ‘19, which featured Saint Joseph’s experts: Brittany L. Bronson ‘17 (M.S.), owner of Rebrand Career Consulting and former assistant managing director for the City of Philadelphia, and Aubrey Wang, Ph.D., professor of educational leadership and director of the organization development and leadership graduate program at Saint Joseph’s University. They explored the history behind the continued challenges organizations face with diversity, equity, and representation in leadership, what organizations can do to create or support a welcoming, inclusive workplace, and what employees can do, too.