Diverseek

SimmieRay is the Global DEI Talent Officer at the IFC (International Finance Corporation). He is passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. SimmieRay is a strategic corporate professional and consultant with over 13 years of experience in Human Resources across HR Management, HR Operations, Organizational Development, and Recruitment and Talent Acquisition. He is a self-starter, detail-oriented, an expert team builder, and a trusted management and leadership advisor who is motivated to engage, inspire, and empower confident, results-driven individuals. SimmieRay is a multifaceted professional with strong business acumen at all levels of operations and approaches his work with a global perspective. Others have described him as possessing standout qualities in his passion for people, being purpose-driven, and genuinely caring about the impact on people. SimmieRay has an encouraging and motivational leadership style that inspires individuals to reach their full potential.

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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

DK Bartley serves as the Global Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at WPP and Hill and Knowlton Strategies. With a fervent dedication to talent acquisition, he stands as a seasoned Human Resources professional, specializing in diversity, talent acquisition, leadership, marketing, and global talent management. His strategic acumen is matched only by his passion for driving DEI initiatives, viewing them as integral to both corporate success and employee fulfillment. DK's coaching prowess has earned him widespread acclaim, lauded for his knack for identifying raw talent, inspiring teams, and nurturing the potential of each team member.

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Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Bridget Hurd serves as the Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity and holds the role of Chief Diversity Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She is dedicated to facilitating connections between individuals and the resources necessary for them to thrive. Her commitment extends to fostering employee growth, fostering connections, and promoting understanding across cultures, communities, generations, work styles, and perspectives. With more than 27 years of experience, Bridget has demonstrated expertise in addressing inclusion, diversity, health equity, community relations, and corporate social responsibility.

Her contributions have been recognized through several prestigious awards and accolades. In 2020, she was honored with the DentaQuest Health Equity Heroes award for her efforts in advancing equity during the coronavirus pandemic. The National Diversity Council named her one of the Top 100 Diversity Officers in 2021. Furthermore, in 2023, she was acknowledged as one of DiversityGlobal Magazine’s Top 15 Influential Women in Diversity and was celebrated as a Notable Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Crain’s Detroit Business.

Bridget is known for her warm and engaging personality, which fosters an environment of inclusion and belonging. She believes passionately in the power of Inclusion and Diversity to bring people together, allowing them to share their stories and experiences for mutual learning and growth.

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KFF Survey Findings

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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Aisha Losche, Chief Diversity Officer at Draper and Co-Founder of Cardinal Coaches, is dedicated to fostering inclusion and reshaping workplaces for the future. With over 15 years of experience in leadership roles, she spearheads strategic initiatives for inclusion, diversity, equity, and access programming. A certified executive & leadership coach, mental health first aider, and qualified administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory, Aisha received the 2023 Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Inspire Award for her impactful contributions. Known for her dynamism and genuine passion, Aisha is committed to her work and the people she serves. Additionally, she avidly consumes 40-50 books annually, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.

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Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Dr. Charlyn holds the position of Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Capella University, where she draws inspiration from witnessing the university's collective commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for both students and employees. Dr. Charlyn is deeply touched by the daily inquiries she receives from individuals eager to engage in this vital work. With expertise in information technology, she adeptly integrates cutting-edge innovations with governmental regulations, policies, and institutional strategic planning. A former active-duty member of the United States Air Force, Dr. Charlyn holds two Master's Degrees and a PhD in Criminal Justice, and she has served as a Subject Matter Expert in Research, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration. Recognizing the importance of inclusive education, Charlyn strategically focuses on developing approaches to effectively engage learners from diverse backgrounds. She employs techniques to build trust, encourage open communication, and tailor teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student.

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Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Dr. Ketwana serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at the Community College of Alleghany County. With a fervent dedication, she strives to cultivate environments where students and employees feel welcomed, included, and safe, fostering a sense of belonging. With over two decades of experience as an administrator and faculty member, Dr. Ketwana has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion across various college and university settings. Concurrently serving as a professor of African American History and Cultural Diversity Studies, she seamlessly integrates her academic expertise with her role as a DEI Administrator. Dr. Ketwana possesses extensive knowledge in Title IX, civil rights, strategic planning, and compliance.

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Court Cases

• NBC News - Tracking Supreme Court Decisions  
• Regents of Univ. of Cal. v. Bakke (1978) 
• Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina (2023) 
• Diverse Education - Biden Admin Affirmative Action Guidance  

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources

• Ferris State University - Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery 
• Anti-Defamation League Hate on Display – Hate Symbols Database 
• Education Week – Critical Race Theory 

Title IX Resources

• US Department of Education – Office of Civil Rights: Title IX and Sex Discrimination 
• Inside Higher Ed – Students Press Biden Administration to Finalize New Title IX Rules 

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Join us for an engaging discussion with Anjali Bindra Patel, an accomplished lawyer serving as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Georgetown Law. Beyond her professional role, Anjali is a devoted mother, a military spouse, and a proud native of Cleveland. She is also a distinguished TEDx Speaker and the Author of the book 'Humanity at Work: Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing in an Increasingly Distributed Workforce.' Anjali's unwavering commitment lies in cultivating inclusive environments that embrace diverse perspectives, nurturing genuine innovation and growth.

With over two decades of expertise in DEI strategy, encompassing fields such as employment law and inclusion leadership, Anjali is widely acclaimed for her grace and exceptional talents.

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David French Article

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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Aliah Berman, the Global Chief Diversity Officer at TBWA Worldwide, is deeply passionate about the intrinsic value of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, viewing it as a profound alignment with her soul. In her pivotal role, she spearheads the vision, strategy, and execution of TBWA's DEI efforts on a global scale. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Aliah actively contributes to DEI initiatives, serving on the board for TEMPO—an organization empowering women in leadership—and the advisory board for Marquette University’s Institute for Women’s Leadership.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Aliah brings joy to children through her talent for different character voices, captivating them during storytime. Despite her influential role and engaging persona, Aliah proudly identifies as an introvert, challenging stereotypes with her unique and multifaceted approach to life.

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Quiet by Susan Cain

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Join us in conversation with Jaslyn Nguyen as we delve into her insights on 'From Internalized Racism to Interconnection: Exploring an Asian American Experience.

Jaslyn, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at the University of Colorado Denver, is dedicated to cultivating a sustainable and equitable environment that nurtures a profound sense of belonging. In her role, she leverages her expertise to create diverse opportunities for networking and career development. As the President of her campus' Vietnamese Student Association, Jaslyn actively contributes to cultural engagement efforts.

Her motivation is fueled by active participation in an Empowering Women in Business course, providing valuable insights that she aims to apply in her ongoing efforts on campus. Notably, Jaslyn is poised to follow in the footsteps of her parents and three older brothers, all alumni of UC Denver, as she is on the path to becoming one herself.

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Demystifying and Addressing Internalized Racism and Oppression Among Asian Americans by Wei-Chin Hwang 

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.

Join us for a conversation with Jobi Martinez, a DEI trailblazer with over 20 years of expertise, she leads our discussion on "Frame, Reframe, and Act: DEI Post Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action." Explore insights and actionable steps for a more inclusive future with Jobi.

Jobi serves as the Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Harris Health System, where her commitment to ensuring equitable access to health, wellness, employment, and education fuels her passion for making a positive impact on people's lives. With over two decades of experience in her field, Jobi has dedicated herself to building organizations, influencing campus culture, addressing diversity and inclusion challenges, and implementing effective policies, practices, and procedures.

A sought-after speaker, Jobi has addressed diverse audiences on topics such as "Becoming an Antiracist Campus" and "Building a Difficult Dialogue Infrastructure." Beyond her professional achievements, Jobi embodies a series of "firsts" as a first-generation American citizen, first-generation college student, first-generation professional, and first-generation PhD. She expresses deep gratitude for the opportunities she has received and acknowledges the pivotal role individuals in her family played in their collective journey.

Originally from Muleshoe, Texas, Jobi brings a warm and engaging presence to any conversation. As a natural conversation starter, she invites dialogue and connection. Outside of her professional pursuits, Jobi enjoys the lively rhythms of salsa and Tejano dancing, adding a vibrant and dynamic dimension to her multifaceted personality.

LINKS
Linkedin

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that all statements made by the guest during the podcast are entirely their own and do not reflect the views or opinions of their employer.

To know more, visit diverseek.com

CREDITS
Hosted by: Jolene Mei ([email protected])
Produced by: Madhu Nair ([email protected])
Edited by: Cansin Dalak
Researched by: Jolene Mei
Music Composed by: Niklas Lang
Production Team: Keisha Williams, Prashant Balbar, and Maria Querina.

SPONSORED BY
Sama WDS
Sama Consulting Inc.