Speak Up for Equity: Recent Episodes
Robert Wilson
Equity is about eliminating difference-based (race, gender, etc.) outcome gaps so that these differences do not predict one's success. Join Tennessee Diversity Consortium Executive Director, Robert Wilson, as we elevate model practices for improving equity within Middle TN.
With 20 years of experience in technology sales, Ben Gold is now focused on AI consulting and thought leadership. Ben shares some of the advantages generative AI tools offer organizations, such as increased efficiency, productivity, and creativity. However, he highlights the significant risks and challenges posed by AI, particularly around bias and discrimination. Ben emphasizes the need for DEI leaders and practitioners to stay informed about the rapid advancements in AI and to play a key role in guiding organizations towards the responsible and ethical use of this transformative technology.
Sarah Sampson, Deputy Director of the Tennessee Disability Coalition, discusses the importance of equity and inclusion for the disability community. She highlights the work her organization does in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to services and support in their own homes and communities. Sarah also addresses the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, such as ableism and attitudes that hinder progress and equity, and encourages organizations to engage in disability inclusion efforts and offers resources and support for those interested.
Ashford Hughes Sr., Executive Officer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Metro Nashville Public Schools, joins Robert Wilson to discuss the crucial role of equity in education and the public sector. He addresses common challenges, including misunderstandings about equity, the importance of clear communication, and the role of allies in standing against injustice. Ashford also touches on the exclusion of equity from diversity and inclusion initiatives, the impact of political decisions, and the responsibility of DEI practitioners to advocate for fairness.
Jeannine Gant, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Officer at the Detroit Regional Partnership, joins Robert Wilson to discuss Detroit's transformation into a global hub for mobility, and emphasizes the city’s shift to become a leader in electric vehicles. Jeannine highlights the importance of inclusivity and addressing wealth disparities, particularly among marginalized communities. Leveraging a $52 million federal grant and strategic initiatives, Jeannine is working to ensure equitable access to emerging industries for historically excluded groups, positioning Detroit as a model for inclusive economic development. She also shares her personal journey and family’s legacy in racial equity work, advocating for the integration of diversity into Detroit’s future growth.
Kourtney Toney, manager of Community Engagement and Programming for the Academy of Country Music is dedicated to increasing the representation of people of color across the country music industry. Kortney discusses the importance of providing access to vital resources and opportunities for talented individuals from all walks of life and shares how artists of color are creating their own spaces within country music, putting on their own showcases and supporting each other while Nashville truly lives up to its name as Music City where all our diverse voices are welcomed and heard.
Cornelius Brownlee is the Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion at Tennessee State University, and believes in the importance of sustaining Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Although he did not attend an HBCU, he explains how important they are in creating safe spaces to foster a sense of empowerment and opportunity for those who feel different. In this episode, Brownlee debunks some of the misconceptions of HBCUs, and explains how and why they play such an essential role both in the Black community and the institutional educational space as a whole.
Jeff McGruder is the Chief Relationship Officer for Citizens Savings Bank and Trust Company, the oldest continuously operating minority owned and operated bank in the U.S. He is a Nashville native, and believes in the importance of communities supporting local banks. In this episode, McGruder touches on the history of Citizens Bank and the broader widespread discrimination in banking, and goes on to emphasize how local banks need support and what action steps are necessary towards that end.
John Graves is chair of the Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project and the Citizenship Education Fund. He worked alongside Reverend Jesse Jackson, a well known civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and politician who was a two time presidential nomination and served as a U.S. shadow senator. Graves has been around famous civil rights leaders from a young age, and it is what set him on the trajectory to dedicate his life to the cause. In this episode, Chairman Graves discusses how his work with Reverend Jesse Jackson has changed his life, and how the work he is doing today with Rainbow PUSH plays a role in dismantling institutional racism.
Stephanie Battaglino is the founder of Follow Your Heart, LLC and is an internationally recognized author, speaker, and facilitator of conversations surrounding LGBTQ inclusion in the workspace, specifically among transgender and non-conforming individuals. She has over 40 years of experience in corporate America, and her story sheds light on the nuances surrounding bias and inclusion in these spaces. Stephanie explains how both workplaces and individuals can work together with grace and understanding towards a more accepting environment for all people.
As the Director for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Michigan, Amanda McLittle passionately believes in cultivating spaces that educate and welcome all people to learn more about the struggles and joys of marginalized groups. Amanda describes how the renovation of the multicultural lounges at the university are helping to create belonging for the people it represents and an opportunity to learn for everyone. This episode features how the University of Michigan is incorporating DEI, drawing from the history of both Amanda’s life and the University that gives great context for the work being done today.
Janessa Cox-Irvin believes data can help companies focus their efforts and build a more efficient strategy for diversity and inclusion work. Janessa has used that tactic in her own work as global head of diversity and inclusion at AllianceBernstein, and in this episode, she discusses AB’s unique approach to creating a more equitable work environment. Janessa also offers advice to other people working in DE&I who are feeling burnt out or discouraged.
As Senior Director of Education and Exhibitions at Nashville’s new National Museum of African American Music, Tamar Smithers is helping to create a space where people can learn about the vital role African Americans have played in music history. In this episode, Tamar shares her perspective on the importance of spaces like NMAAM for Black artists, and she explains how she’s taking her efforts beyond the walls of the museum to engage with people around the world.
When Rosa Estrada first started working at Gentex, she worried that her limited English-speaking skills would hold her back. Today, Rosa is the controller at Gentex, and she played a key role in the company’s efforts to build a limited English proficiency line. In this episode, Rosa shares about the process of developing that program, which allows Spanish-speaking employees to join the company and access all the resources they need in their native language.
Jennifer Novo recognizes that many Latino students face unique barriers to success in college, and she’s committed to helping them overcome those challenges. Jennifer is the executive director of FUTURO, an inclusive college success and professional development program, and in this episode, she shares about her experience working with college students in Middle Tennessee. She also explains how leaders and hiring managers can best support the Latino community in the region.
After experiencing discrimination as a woman in tech, Alex Qin decided to start advocating for greater diversity in the industry. Alex is the founder of Emergent Works, a non-profit that trains and employs formerly incarcerated coders. In this episode, Alex shares her story and discusses some changes that need to happen so women and people of color can thrive at work. She also talks about her recent transition to filmmaking, where she hopes to tell stories about underrepresented groups.
Patrick King believes that sustainability is directly tied to issues of inequity. He’s the sustainability education manager with Urban Green Lab, and he’s working to implement a new Environmental Justice Initiative which will focus on helping distressed communities improve their health and lives. In this episode, Patrick explains why Nashville’s Black and Brown communities are disproportionately affected by environmental problems, and also why they have the most to gain from sustainability efforts.
Brynn Plummer wants Nashville to recognize the enormous potential she sees in its entrepreneurs of color. As Vice President of Inclusion and Community Relations at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Brynn works to equip entrepreneurs with resources while also trying to make entrepreneurship more equitable. In this episode, she explains how the EC has shifted its efforts to focus more on equity and inclusion and offers insight into the current landscape of entrepreneurship in Nashville
John Baldwin understands that when healthcare teams are more diverse, they’re better equipped to serve patients. John is the chief operating officer of hospitals and clinics for Cancer Treatment Centers of America Atlanta, and in this episode, he explains how healthcare organizations can create more trustful relationships with communities of color. He also discusses the implications of healthcare inequity in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout.
Ebonee Davis Ifeobu has played a key role in helping Bridgestone create greater equity, as the executive director of talent, culture and diversity. In this episode, she explains how Bridgestone has responded to the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other Black Americans in 2020. She also argues that it’s important for corporations to focus on building lasting change rather than hurrying to respond to a problem, and she explains why equity should play a major part in that response.
In our first episode of Speak Up for Equity, a new podcast from the Tennessee Diversity Consortium, Ashford Hughes shares his efforts to create a more equitable environment for students as Executive Officer for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Metro Nashville Public Schools. He also explains how understanding Nashville’s history can help us create a roadmap for addressing inequity today.
Equity is about eliminating difference-based (race, gender, etc.) outcome gaps so that these differences do not predict one's success. Join Tennessee Diversity Consortium Executive Director, Robert Wilson, as we elevate model practices for improving equity within Middle TN.