“Where. Do. We. Go. From. Here?” we asked, for the first time, as a nation.
Following the nationwide anti-racism protests, a clear call to action has been voiced to end racial injustice and systemic racism in America. Unsure of a direction or a solution, companies declared Juneteenth a paid holiday, budget cuts imposed on police departments, policymakers proposed new legislation, and streaming services showcased Black films to educate viewers on the history of Black people in America.
While symbolic and policy changes may aid in acknowledging racism and police brutality in America; Aisha Adams has answered this call for action with education. Aisha has partnered Lenoir-Rhyne University Asheville to design and implement the Lenoir-Rhyne Equity & Diversity Institute (LREDI).
Recently, featured on Forbes, Aisha Adams is a Diversity & Inclusivity advocate, influencer, blogger, talk show host, and speaker. Aisha has a profound passion for community economic development with a focus on social change. She is the founder and C.E.O of the Aisha Adams Media Group and partner organization Equity Over Everything. Aisha’s organizations help close the gaps in entrepreneurship and home ownership in low resource communities. This SheEo has also created the Entrepreneurial Accelerator, a business boot camp that connects newer businesses to community resources.
The LREDI program is anticipated to start late Summer 2020 and is designed to cultivate positive social transformation by equipping participants with the strategies, tools, and practices necessary to build workplaces and communities that cultivate diversity, inclusivity, and equity.
This is what Aisha had to say about her dedicated advocacy, diversity & inclusion in the workplace, and goals of the LREDI program.
1. What led you to become a Diversity & Inclusivity advocate?
“Advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusivity as a black woman for me initially was all about survival. I needed the tools to navigate the wage gap, the leadership gap, and the funding gap. The more I helped myself, the more I was able to use my influence to advocate for community and corporate changes. The natural next step was to develop the Lenoir-Rhyne Equity & Diversity Institute (LREDI) curricula.”
2. With the nationwide recent anti-racism protests, what questions are companies asking the most? What are some dominant issues companies struggle with the most?
“Eliminating racism is a complex problem. You don’t know what you don’t know, so a lot of companies aren’t sure what to do. They are stuck trying to figure out what their values and biases are. Other companies know they need more diversity on their team, but they don’t know where to recruit or how to retain diverse employees. Other companies don’t know how to engage with black and brown consumers respectfully through marketing and advertising. This is why LREDI is so relevant. We are cultivating safe spaces for equity; advocates explore and start to untangle complex social issues.”
3. Which company and/or companies are practicing the best diversity & inclusion model(s) and/or programs?
“One reason I am proud to work with Lenoir-Rhyne University on LREDI is that we are dedicated to helping companies learn best practices. We understand that social issues are complex and ever-evolving. Companies need a safe space to figure it out. I appreciate Lenoir-Rhyne being a safe space for me. There are lots of companies doing the work, but honestly, this work is never done. It is an ongoing process.”
4. What are some key takeaways and/or measurable outcomes you expect participants who enroll in the LREDI program to walk away with?
“LREDI learning opportunities can be taken as stand-alone courses to enhance one’s professional profile or taken as a suite to yield an Equitable Leadership Certificate.”
Participants leave ready to:
- Engage professionals, community members, employers, students, and the general public in conversations about culture, equity, and inclusion in their respective industries.
- Create and lead social change efforts that shift culture, advance equity, and foster inclusivity through their current positions.
“LREDI is also a part of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s mission to build a sense of community and promote responsible leadership for service in the world.”
5. What do you envision for the LREDI program for five to ten years from now?
“As the developer of the institute, I envision a community of equity advocates who are educated, challenged, and inspired to non-violently disrupt systems that create and support complex detrimental social issues. Therefore, I am most excited about the impact participants will make over the next 5-10 years as a result of being a part of the program.”
6. If you had one piece of advice for companies and corporations what would it be?
“Symbolic gestures are nice, but systems changes eliminate racism. Plus, all the research shows that diversity and inclusivity greatly benefit companies.”
A core value in our society is education and change must start with education. With Aisha Adams leading the way, and the knowledge and tools provided by LREDI, leaders and professionals will be equipped to transform their own organizations, industries, and communities in a more active role to end systematic racism in America.
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