Where are you searching?

Leaders, there are a few places to start when it comes to acknowledging and creating an inclusive working environment. Know that black women and men are an incredibly talented and educated group of individuals. More often than not, they're working just as hard, if not harder than their counterparts, and haven't received a promotion or merit increase.

I've heard countless times that positions weren't filled because there aren't any qualified candidates. Where are you searching? You have to make an effort to seek out different universities, job platforms, and community members to find diverse talent to fill open positions.

Additionally, when you hire a person of color, what is your work culture? How do you promote and celebrate diversity? What type of training is provided to all staff, ensuring that you have established a culture for everyone to flourish? If you're genuinely willing to change your organization, don't just send out an email of support. Make a plan and stick to it!

In the short term- what are you and your middle managers doing to support your staff. Long term- what shifts will be made to hire, retain, celebrate, and promote black employees? It's not the time to be offended; it's time to listen. Elevate the voices that for years have been dismissed. I'm here to start and continue the conversation with you.