Belonging, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or BDEI, is a relatively new concept that is emerging in the workplace. The practice and implementation of BDEI is a way for organizations to create a more culturally diverse, accepting, and understanding work environment. This week at Kennesaw’s PRSSA chapter meeting, we received Amina Jones, Senior Vice President of Multicultural and Health for Edelman, and Alexis Roe, the Vice President of DEI Impact and Strategic Initiatives for the Atlanta Hawks, to speak to the chapter about BDEI and what that looks like in their respective organizations.
Through Jones’ background in healthcare and her current experience in PR, she has developed campaigns such as ‘The Unspoken Curriculum’ and ‘Believe My Pain’ that specifically target Black individuals and the mental and physical struggles they face from systemic institutions. Jones voiced that these campaigns were very important to her, and they were very powerful to hear about. Her dedication and passion to uplifting those whose voices go unheard is inspiring and contributes to the “all-encompassing” feeling that BDEI has for her and everyone else at Edelman.
In her role as DEI impact for the Hawks, Roe explained that she is expected to take into consideration not only the BDEI efforts for the Hawks, but also other events that take place in State Farm Arena, such as concerts, Disney on Ice, etc. Through her work with the Hawks, she stated that they seek to “build bridges through basketball” and highlighted a program called She Leads. The She Leads program is all about business and growth opportunities targeted towards the young woman of Atlanta. Through all her work and outreach, Roe stated that a driving mantra for her and all those who work for the Hawks is “Be true to Atlanta.” The city of Atlanta is one of the most diverse cities in the country, and these four words encapsulate what it means to promote BDEI within a company and community.
We would love to hear from you! What do you think are good ways of implementing and elevating BDEI initiatives in schools or workplaces beyond the surface-level?
An immense thank you to our guest speakers. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from you!