The Black History Month Spotlight Speaker Series hosted an event on Feb. 13 in Bartley Hall’s PwC Auditorium. The event, titled “Elevating Black Voices: Social Consciousness and Allyship in the Workplace,” primarily surrounded diversity, equity and inclusion; allyship; and the importance of these values within the workplace.
The event was co-sponsored by the VSB Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; the Department of Accounting; NABA, Inc.; Association of Latino Professional for America; and Beta Alpha Psi, Office of Residence Life.
As the event began, the audience was introduced to three prominent speakers: Ken Bouyer, Leader of Ernst & Young Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recruitment; Dr. Rory Kramer, sociology professor at Villanova; and Reverend Naomi Washington-LeapHeart, theology and peace and justice professor at Villanova. This event was moderated by Bryce Ettrick, VSB Student and NABA member.
After introductions, Ettrick streamlined the event into the topics.
“What are you most hopeful in accordance with diversity, equity and inclusion?” he asked.
Each speaker had a similar, but uniquely innovative response to this question.
“[I hope that] DEI is no longer used in a coded or slur-like way in national and political discourse,” Washington-Leaphert said.
She also emphasized being able to talk about DEI without it causing arguments.
This spotlight discussion acknowledged the prompting matters of the inclusion of people of color, specifically Black individuals within the workplace. It was explained how inclusion is based upon decision-making, workplace dynamics and diversity, equity and inclusion protection.
“You can’t have empathy for what you don’t have proximity to,” Bouyer said.
The speakers shared that proximity, both to a person or their story, is important when it comes to DEI. It cannot be expected for people to understand experiences they have not had themselves. They also shared that it is important to listen to understand. By listening to understand, individuals gain information on other people’s experiences. In doing so, it helps guide individuals to appreciate and be empathetic towards them.
“It should matter that your colleagues, wherever you are, feel that they are cared for, as well,” Kramer said.
It was discussed by the speakers that within the workplace, white individuals are less likely to feel out of place or feel as if they do not belong. They often feel comfortable speaking up and are openly supported in making decisions. The same cannot always be said for people of color, primarily Black people. The speakers emphasized that it is a part of allyship to speak up and include the minority when they actively are or feel that they are excluded.
As the discussion came to a close, the conversation was primarily surrounding the protection and advancement of DEI and how we as individuals can contribute to that.
“[People can make] it a personal discipline to imagine inclusively, to think inclusively,” Washington-Leapheart said.
The speakers described that, although students may not feel that they have the power to reach and speak to the professionals around us, they do. They shared that students have the ability to make a change. They just have to be intentional to be inclusive.
“Hearing the speakers inspired and changed my perspective on what DEI is all about,” sophomore Daiyannah Brown said. “It is more than just making everyone feel included, it is about shifting the focus and mindset of others and what it means to make sure every voice is heard, welcomed, celebrated.”
This discussion left a deep impact on many students as they hope to apply many of these lessons in their everyday lives.
“I am graduating and I am going to be in the workforce this coming year, so a lot of it was pretty impactful for me,” senior Athena Marcell said. “Learning more about my role, especially as a white person, can be helpful going into a corporate job and how I can help make my workplace and hopefully other workplaces a more inclusive and diverse place by supporting other people and making sure to support and promote DEI within the workplace.”
