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The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus boardrooms lack diversity. It does not have to be that way | Opinion
Terrance Hinton serves as a professor in the sociology department at The Ohio State University and is also a recent graduate of the Columbus African American Leadership Academy.
By Terrance Hinton (The Columbus Dispatch)
October, 19th 2022
In late September, a report was released by the Columbus Dispatch that touched on the efforts of Columbus-area companies and nonprofits in addressing diversity, equity and inclusion despite staffing challenges, inflation and a shifting workplace environment.
More:Corporate diversity: Columbus companies making progress, but how fast?
While there has been progress by a number of companies in the diversity and inclusion space, it was noted that there is still a lack of diversity in their pipelines to leadership positions, due to competition for diverse talent. One potential area for addressing this issue right here in Columbus is tapping into minority leadership programs such as the Columbus African American Leadership Academy.
The Columbus African American Leadership Academy is a community-based leadership development program that expands both the number and effectiveness of African American leaders in central Ohio.
Individuals accepted into the academy come with a demonstrated excellence in their profession, a commitment to public or community service and the desire to succeed.
The academy that was started by co-executive directors Donna James and Mo Wright and governed by an extensive advisory board, has seen many of Columbus’ most prominent minority community leaders come through and remain a part of the program.
This includes individuals such as Devray Kirkland, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Cardinal Health; Dawn Tyler Lee, former City of Columbus deputy chief of staff; Robert “Bo” Chilton, chief executive officer at IMPACT Community Action; and Stephanie Hightower, president and CEO of Columbus Urban League.
While it is great to see that some companies have partnered with historically Black colleges and universities to help identify potential talent, programs such as the Columbus African American Leadership Academy exist for the very purposes of mentoring, developing, and promoting minorities who are already educated, qualified and have extensive professional experience to showcase their ability to be in these executive positions.
Columbus has become one of the premier places to live, especially as it pertains to its thriving economy. I encourage companies to continue to make progress by tapping into minority leadership programs such as the Columbus African American Leadership Academy and others that are right here in Columbus.
Our community will thrive when everyone has an equal opportunity to position themselves for these executive roles within these growing companies.
Terrance Hinton serves as a professor in the sociology department at The Ohio State University and is also a recent graduate of the Columbus African American Leadership Academy.
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