Speak Up for Equity Robert Wilson

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.