Speak Up for Equity

By Robert Wilson

Business Non-Profit

What's Speak Up for Equity about?

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.

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Speak Up for Equity episodes:

06.20.2023
The History and Heart behind HBCUs with Cornelius Brownlee
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...
06.05.2023
Why Local Banks Thrive off Community with Jeff McGruder
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...
05.22.2023
A Lifelong Fight Against Racism with John Graves
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...
05.08.2023
Making Corporate America a Safer Space with Stephanie Battaglino
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...
04.24.2023
Creating Spaces for Belonging with Amanda McLittle
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...
04.07.2022
Creating a Data-Driven DE&I Strategy with Janessa Cox-Irvin
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...
03.31.2022
Amplifying the Story of African Americans in Music with Tamar Smithers
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...
03.24.2022
Creating Opportunities for Spanish-Speaking Employees with Rosa Estrada
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...
03.17.2022
Developing Today’s Latino Students into Tomorrow’s Leaders with Jennifer Novo
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...
03.10.2022
Preparing Formerly Incarcerated Individuals for Tech Careers with Alex Qin
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...
02.25.2021
Advocating for Environmental Justice with Patrick King
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...
02.25.2021
Supporting Entrepreneurs of Color with Brynn Plummer
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...
02.24.2021
Building Trust in the Healthcare System with John Baldwin
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...
02.23.2021
Creating Sustainable Corporate Change with Ebonee Davis Ifeobu
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...
02.22.2021
Empowering Nashville’s Students to Succeed with Ashford Hughes
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...
02.12.2021
Introducing Speak Up for Equity
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.