The importance of diversity and inclusion was a part of my household as I was growing up. Different words were used but the intent was the same--human rights, civil rights were a particular commitment of my father. Those values became important to me. Diversity and inclusion work for me means not being afraid to discuss race and gender and also expanding the conversation to include many other dimensions—generational, sexual orientation, work style, rank, etc.

I am a sociologist by training and I learned that major institutions within a society tend to be a reflection of the larger society. Our great country often struggles with diversity & inclusion therefore even our truly fine institutions struggle also. I believe that working within organizations so that diversity is valued and that all individuals are included is important work.

I work in the area first because I believe that co-workers and customers should be respected and second because I believe it makes very good business sense. Others may focus on the business need first. That may be OK yet I think, if you focus first on the people—employees and customers, the business result will follow.

Last, it can be challenging work—work that often people don’t understand, don’t want to talk about, don’t want to do. My interest is that employees don’t see diversity as something extra but as core to everything they do. I work so that all employees can feel safe being a part of conversations and work related to diversity and inclusion and can raise their hands and say, “I don’t understand.”

I was recruited into human resources after working on a performance audit of a human resources department. A senior executive believed that based on my team’s comprehensive review of the department, I could be a good fit for a leadership opening. She encouraged me to apply for the role. I stayed in human resources because it functions in organizations to be a strategic partner with business executives, an advisor to management on employee relations issues and a champion of all employees.

1. The Diversity Discipline: Implementing Diversity Work with a Strategy, Structure, and ROI Measurement Focus by Edward E. Hubbard, Ph.D

2. Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgments in Our Daily Lives by Howard J. Ross

3. Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success by Sylvia Ann Hewlett

4. Expect to Win: 10 Proven Strategies for Thriving in the Workplace by Carla Harris

5. Forget A Mentor, Find A Sponsor: The New Way To Fast-Track Your Career by Sylvia Ann Hewlett

6. Standout 2.0: Assess Your Strengths. Find Your Edge. Win At Work by Marcus Buckingham

7. Ted Talks: The Office TED Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson

8. Unwritten HR Rules: 21 Secrets for Attaining Awesome Career Success in Human Resources by Alan Collins

9. What’s In Your Sandwich: 10 Sure-Fire Ingredients for Career Success by Jocelyn Giangrande

10. The Wisdom of Crowds: Why the Many Are Smarter Than the Few and How Collective Wisdom Shapes Business, Economies, Societies and Nations by James Surowieki

I work to create environments in which people with varied competencies, experiences, work styles, backgrounds and ideas can bring their authentic selves to work. When I assign responsibilities to team members I encourage individuals to try on new skills, grow their talents and not get stuck. The work is always important and sometimes the demands are stressful so I am lifted when I hear a few moments of laughter in the middle of the afternoon—usually signaling that team members are enjoying working together.