There are many inequities Black Americans face, including with the criminal justice system. I chose to work in the CEO Action for Racial Equity fellowship program’s public safety platform because I want to work toward an equitable field for all and eliminate systemic racism issues. I look forward to helping make a positive difference for these Black Americans.
I am working within the CEO Action for Racial Equity fellowship program’s economic empowerment platform with a focus on expanding beyond supplier diversity. The fellowship has given me a new perspective and has made me more aware of how corporations and individuals play critical roles in fostering economic growth. By investing in diverse businesses, we can help promote inclusivity and equity, thus helping reduce the wealth gap. I have already started to shift my own way of spending and investing and look forward to bringing new ideas about how RSM as a firm can help further the fellowship’s mission.
During my time in the CEO Action for Racial Equity fellowship program, I am developing ways for corporations to engage with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Recruiting from HBCUs helps corporations diversify their talent pipelines and experience the benefits of a diverse workforce. However, our engagement with HBCUs must be mutually beneficial. HBCUs have experienced decades of inequitable state and federal funding, leading to millions of dollars in deferred maintenance. There is an opportunity for corporations to use their resources to invest in these institutions, empower students, and advocate for equitable funding. As an HBCU alum, I am grateful to be involved in work that helps sustain Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
RSM solidifies its commitment to driving an unrivaled inclusive culture by affording people like me opportunities to work alongside fellows from other firms to advance racial equity. Knowing that the increasing racial wealth gap signals continued persistent racial inequities, I dedicate my time to working on policies and strategizes that expand economic opportunity through the CEO Action for Racial Equity fellowship program’s community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which is part of the economic empowerment platform. By empowering mission-driven financial institutions, we can widen the path that brings about economic opportunity for Black Americans, thereby helping to reduce the racial wealth gap. The previous class of fellows laid the foundation and I am doing my part to solidify the economic empowerment platform as we continue to build the house that will help bring about racial equity and help to improve societal wellbeing.
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When we bring those unique talents and perspectives together, it strengthens our teams and enhances the unique insights we provide our clients.
