DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE
Over the last several years, we have heard more and more about companies launching diversity and inclusion initiatives. We need to take time and ask ourselves these questions: What does diversity and inclusion look like in the workplace, and why is it important? How do we achieve a diverse and inclusive working environment? What can venues do to support a more diverse and inclusive workplace that en- races, ethnicities, and disabilities?
inclusion. It states, “Individuals who are respected, valued, and treated equitably are the cornerstones to a diverse and inclusive communi- with our various identities and backgrounds, are full members of the Trojan Family. Through upholding our Principles of Community and recognizing our past, we seek to be a leader in improving and enhanc- ing university climate.” On a rainy Friday afternoon at USC, I had the pleasure of sitting
- versity and Inclusion for USC’s Marshall School of Business, and who serves on the board of the Black Alumni Association. I wanted to learn more about what USC and other organizations can do to increase diversity and inclusion. “At Universities as well as other organizations, - people at the table and those that deserve to be at the table.” This in- cludes not only having a variety of people that have a seat at the table but also a voice that is being heard. In order for those results, she said that leadership has to want it and not need it. “We have a lack of diversity in our industry,” said Jimmy Earl,
president of IAVM, and member of the Diversity and Inclusive Lead- ership Committee. “We need to develop, mentor, and recruit people Our public assembly venues need to decide how our employees are trained on diversity and inclusion. “Rather than having an outside company to come in and speak with our operation managers, my com- pany decided to have our own employees provide the diversity and inclusion training,” said Sherron Hawkins, Talent Acquisition Man- ager and former co facilitator of Diversity and Inclusion Training for the West Coast of Enterprise Holdings. “I was selected to train our upper level operations managers on the importance of diversity and inclusion in hiring and development. For three years, I trained how to - Addressing the importance to recruit diverse backgrounds, Walter
Boggan, Director of Admissions, Outreach and Diversity Initiatives for the Graduate Division at the University of California, Santa Bar- bara, said, “Personally, I believe diversity is important because our so- ciety consists of various backgrounds and it’s vital to learn from others. Also, diversity brings about new and innovative ideas that will make Our workplace should mirror our customers. This includes ev- eryone from upper level management to the person in the parking
Simply The Right Thing To Do | By Cynthia Tucker UNIVERSITIES:
structure. According to Debra, “We need to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for our customers the moment they enter our facilities. Within your industry as managers of public assemblies diversity of your customers.” A diverse workplace is a place where it’s a welcoming environment,
hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce requires looking at who we city. “When hiring, I look at the local demographics of the region where I’m recruiting to make sure I am hiring the population of that community,” Sherron said. “We know that we cannot function as a suc- its diversity. Simply stating that you should use your diverse recruiting team to recruit more diverse talent. At USC, I employ more than 200 student workers to work in our
various indoor and outdoor venues. I spend time networking with my - tional students, departments, and all schools letting them know that my department is hiring year-round. Because of the diversity of events we host in our venues for student organizations, departments as well as outside organizations, the diversity of my student workers not only - abilities, but I also look to employ those from various majors. In our industry, we might reach out to those studying hospitality,
event planning, sports management, or the entertainment industry. I that one of my event ushers was a physics major, and that he enjoyed his job because he loved interacting with the guests. One of my pro- herself to reach a technical rider. Last May, one of my audio techni- hear that students enjoy working in my department because they feel so welcome and another commented that often times it doesn’t even feel like they are working. This is done by respecting them, valuing their opinion, and treating them equally.
answering the phone, she said, “In order for our workplaces to be di- verse and inclusive, intentionality has to be critical, and leadership must demonstrate a commitment to it.” As an African American woman, I’m aware of the challenges that I and a strong desire to see our industry more diverse and inclusive, and Inclusive Leadership Committee and look forward to future ac- complishments around increasing diversity in the venue management industry. FM
Cynthia Tucker is event venue manager, Trojan Event Services, University of South- ern California and member of the University Committee.
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