Youngins Are Watching — Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives Are A Must by Nora Thomas
In early March, I had coffee in hand and Apple maps in the other as I drove to Northglenn Middle School to be part of my first ever professional development panel discussion. Spoiler alert, I did get there safely even though it sounds like my hands weren’t at ten-and-two.
I was one of six Denver professionals speaking with Northglenn Middle School’s Latinos In Action, a professional development committee that helps set 12- and 13-year-olds up to be successful post high school or college and emphasizes and celebrates surrounding yourself with people who look like you in the professional world, making sure your voice is heard. Our experience ranged from Business Development Director of a general contracting company, to Director of General Services for the City and County of Denver, to Assistant Commerce DEN HUB Director at Denver International Airport, which I learned is now the third most traveled airport in the world. As this was a new experience for me, I didn’t know what to expect, but the students weren’t the only ones impacted by what the other professionals had to share.
I am not a Latina woman, but I am a woman of color and having this experience at a younger age would’ve changed my perspective when entering any sector of the workforce. Although the tangible information added immense value to the conversation, the most important part of this entire experience is that the children who were present saw something I doubt they had ever seen in their lives: a group of successful brown men and women who have risen above the discrimination, ditched their doubts and embraced their skin color, using it as a tool of uniqueness.
I was eager to share with students the importance of making their presence known. As some of my mentors have told me, it’s important to put yourself out there and take on experiences you don’t always want to. This instantly shows someone you’re ready to work no matter your background, experience or color of skin. A valuable life lesson and lesson in PR — this is how we intrigue journalists, correct?
I also wanted to share with them my experience starting my own business. I help small businesses build partnerships to support their brand awareness and it has really helped me embrace my own diversity. It’s proven to me that companies are seeking diverse ideas and perspectives to support inclusivity within their business. It’s made me feel like my words and input are valued as someone who doesn’t look like the majority of my counterparts. Instilling this message from an early age can go far for these children who aren’t living the American Dream.
Making your presence known as a Black, Indegineous, Person Of Color (BIPOC) is crucial. This is how we break barriers and challenge the norm. Embracing DEI within your industry is essential for bringing diverse, unique and new ideas to the forefront. If you’re not making it a priority, you’re behind. Focusing on diversity in your team is needed for the future success of your co-working relationships, connections with other businesses, fruition of ideas and happiness of your employees.
I read a Washington Post article last year about how lack of diversity is turning Millennials away from different companies. As an Algerian woman, I can understand the challenge of validating your feelings about being part of a “marginalized community.” In my eyes, I see BIPOC individuals as an empowered community that holds an unspeakable amount of talent, drive and grit. When companies can’t honor this, why would we want to work for them? This idea was my biggest focus to get across while talking to Northglenn Middle schoolers. And, I’m confident they loved the message. In fact, I received letters from each student after the panel discussion and almost every note to me referenced the idea of making your presence known or talked about how impressed they were with me that I was “this young and started a business.” It felt so powerful preaching this message to these children at an age where they are impressionable and to a group who is likely to experience the challenges I have as a brown woman.
Sitting beside other Denver professionals made me realize, no two journeys are the same. One isn’t right over the other, and just when you think something might go a certain way, the opposite is likely to happen. Being strong in who you are and owning your diversity is what will set you apart and show why people admire you.
As public relations professionals, we believe that advancing diversity, equity and inclusion are critical to successfully engaging with the public, building trust, developing authentic relationships, inspiring creativity, and cultivating stories that reflect different communities' unique needs and perspectives. PRSA Colorado's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee seeks to advance the profession by deepening the narrative on issues that matter to historically underrepresented groups, advocating for a more culturally inclusive mindset, actively promoting the profession to aspiring practitioners from all backgrounds, providing resources to members on how to intentionally incorporate DEI practices in their work, and by encouraging more diverse representation among PRSA leadership roles. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more, please visit https://prsacolorado.org/Volunteer.
