In this episode, Jodi Brokington, founder of Nira Consulting, shares her experiences as a biracial woman in predominantly white spaces and her work promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. She discusses microaggressions, preparing diverse candidates for white environments, and the impact of George Floyd's death on companies' DEI efforts. She also emphasizes the importance of investing in executive leadership groups and finding allies and champions. Her advice: rock the boat strategically and stay true to your values.
[00:01 - 08:06] Opening Segment
- Jodi works with diverse clients to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
- She partners with the National Urban League to connect executives with HBCUs
- Jodi's personal background motivates her to bring people together and serve underrepresented communities
- Jodi challenges stereotypes and empowers others through her own experiences of prejudice
[08:07 - 15:34] Navigating Microaggressions and Bias
- Microaggressions are harmful and common in corporate settings
- "Articulate" is a microaggression as it implies low expectations for Black women's speaking abilities
- Jodi's experiences at predominantly white schools highlight discrimination faced by Black students
- Prioritizing Black women's advancement is important for diversity and to move past quota mentalities
[15:35 - 30:58] Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
- Promote diversity by adding recruitment, coaching, and connecting with companies
- Companies pledged to improve diversity after George Floyd's death, and DEI professionals strategized ways to improve diversity
- Companies added mental health resources to support employees, and CEOs made public statements on diversity
- Startups take proactive measures to promote diversity, while some established companies have not made significant changes
[30:59 - 43:16] Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
- Companies are investing in executive leadership groups and professional development opportunities for their employees
- Retention and belonging are critical areas of focus to ensure employees feel valued and part of the team
- Companies need to have an intentional focus on supporting black people, particularly ADOS
- It's important to be strategic when taking on leadership positions and to know when to say no
- People should offer their services in a polite manner and be willing to trade or speak if needed
Connect with Jodi:
Website: http://www.niaraconsulting.com/
Social Media: LinkedIn
Join the movement for justice and power with the "Justice & Power" podcast. Listen to stimulating conversations on tough topics affecting Black and Brown America with host Nekima Levy Armstrong. Reach out to us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. To know more about us connect with us at Wayfinder Foundation and www.nekimalevyarmstrong.com. Let's make change happen together!
Tweetable Quote:
"I think often it's not the idea that I really need to correct people. I think it's the idea that they need to experience that not all qualifications and checking boxes gets you ahead. That part is connections, part is your own knowledge base and then your thick skin." - Jodi Brokington
