Open Up The Workforce

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva speaks to Robert Matthews, VP and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Exelon. Robert opens up about his career journey, from interning at BLACK+DECKER and CareFirst to eventually joining Baltimore Gas and Electric, which was then acquired by Exelon. Robert speaks with nostalgia about the impact the INROADS program had on his career, and shares handy tips for setting up early career programs for success, including key metrics companies need to track. Also, find out what Exelon is doing to promote STEM careers and what leaders need to do to truly open up the workforce.

Presented by Symba, #OpenUpTheWorkforce interviews feature executives advancing inclusion, diversity, and equity for the future of work. In these short audio-only episodes, host Ahva Sadeghi speaks with top leaders about what it takes to develop and implement inclusive processes.

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva speaks to Caroline Casey, founder of The Valuable 500, the world's largest CEO collective and business movement for disability inclusion. Caroline shares her reasons for launching the company and how she has signed up 500 companies on her quest to give people living with disabilities a seat at the table. Find out how partner companies intend to achieve disability inclusion through synchronized global action.

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva speaks to Mason Williams, the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Mattel Inc. Mason started his Mattel career as an online game designer, later transitioning to the connected play division from 2011 to 2021. Afterward, he made a significant career shift into DEI, which he sees as the next phase of his creative output.

Get the inside scoop on the making of the global blockbuster movie Barbie, read how Mattel leverages employee resource groups in their toy design processes, and find out what Mason thinks about how to truly open up the workforce.

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva speaks to Florencia Stanfield, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Vitesco Technologies. Florencia's passion for inclusion in the HR space began with the start of her career, working in HR and DEI stints at companies in Uruguay, Argentina, and other countries across Latin America. She shares best practices for DEI that are both inclusive and can function on a global scale.

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva speaks to Dr. Johné Battle, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Dollar General. Dr. Battle shares how some of his early educational challenges and subsequent achievements shaped his philosophy on grit and growth mindset. He also talks about the DEI initiatives he is spearheading at Dollar General, and how we should be looking at DEI from a social mobility lens.

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Donnebra McClendon, the Global Head of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at Ceridian, shares her career journey and how Ceridian is investing in employee development and increasing diverse representation within its workforce. Donnebra sums up DEI efforts with one word–intention. Company and talent leaders need to be proactive about creating inclusive environments for people to feel they belong.

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva speaks to Troy McIntosh, the vice president and chief diversity equity and inclusion officer at IDEX Corporation. As a member of the Executive Leadership Council, Troy is also a trailblazer in promoting social equity, diversity and inclusion. Troy shares his career journey, including how he got into diversity spaces and how he is promoting it at IDEX. As a DEI thought leader, he shares a trove of insights and strategies for building diverse and inclusive workplaces. He also has a word of advice for young professionals looking to get their foot in the door.

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Rachel Winoski, Chief Human Resource Officer for AXA XL, shares her inspiring journey within the company. With over 12 years of experience at AXA XL, Rachel's story serves as a true success story of progressing from an intern to the C-suite. In this interview, Rachel offers invaluable insights on career growth, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the innovative approaches AXA XL is taking to create a thriving workplace.

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Monique Lanaux, General Vice President and Chief Talent & Diversity Officer for Albertsons Companies Inc, shares her background and journey that led her to her current role and discusses the innovative initiatives Albertsons has implemented to foster an inclusive work environment

In this episode of #OpenUpTheWorkforce, Ahva has flipped the script for National Intern Day and speaks with three interns at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF). Kennedy, Amiya, and Olimpia share their internship experiences, the qualities Gen Z brings to the workforce, what they believe are the necessary steps to increasing access to jobs and wealth creation, and more.