Learning From Diversity and Inclusion Experts
By Parke Pettegrew and Faith Aids
Companies within our industry and others have started committing to their diversity and inclusion programs by hiring , promoting or assigning company stewards into roles leading these efforts . We have interviewed four of these Diversity and Inclusion leaders to learn more about how they got into those roles , what D & I means to their company , initiatives they are working on , advocating / measuring / evaluating / aligning on the programs , education of the company employees and hope for the future in D & I .
How did you move into your current role overseeing D & I for your respective companies ?
Lorri : I served in a variety of marketing and training roles for multifamily companies . Avenue5 and its CEO Walt Smith recognized my passion for D & I and creating a more diverse , equitable , and empowering workplace for all employees and residents . When the role was created they knew I could create measurable success benchmarks and craft strategies into company initiatives to initiate change .
Leon : I came from the Talent Acquisition space , managing a team of recruiters who recruit for four of our divisions . I supported diversity conferences and other efforts to help identify diverse candidates .
Jared : I became involved with D & I at RedPeak somewhat by default , but also because it is a passion . I was eager to take on our overall ESG initiatives which include D & I . ESG ( Environmental , Social , and Governance ) and D & I is not only important to our direct organization , but also our investment partner .
Delta : As a female Leader in the business I volunteered to be a part of our D & I initiatives .
What does D & I mean to your company ?
Lorri : Avenue5 is committed to integrating diversity and inclusion into our associates ’ everyday work lives , to ensuring that all levels of our company reflect the diverse society we live in , to weaving diversity and inclusion related principles into our associate evaluations
Experts on Diversity & Inclusion
Lorri Oliver |
Leon Harden |
Jared Miller |
Delta Stein |
VP , Diversity & Inclusion |
Strategy Manager
Burns & McDonnell
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Chief Operating Officer
Red Peak
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Diversity & Inclusion Chair
Frontier Technology
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Avenue5 Residential |
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22 | TRENDS JANUARY 2022 www . aamdhq . org