2023
Chief People Officer
INTERNATIONAL
Companies that hope to retain black professionals have to accept them and care about them
Education: BS, Cabrini College, Business Administration & Management; Villanova University — Human Resources Certificate; Certifications: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), HCRI Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Company Name: Curaleaf Industry: Cannabis Company CEO: Matt Darin Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY Number of Employees: ~5,500
50
2023 Fourth Quarter
Being a black woman leader, I know first-hand how important it is to provide support to black leaders. Very early in my career, I felt alone and unsupported and didn’t feel comfortable being my authentic self. I would wear my hair straightened because I was afraid that wearing braids was not acceptable. In fact, my leader told me that braiding my hair was not good for my personal brand. Can you imagine the impact that had on me as I was just starting off my career and was excited to join my new company? Leaders must be intentional about providing support to black leaders and those in underrepresented populations. One thing that stood out to me when I walked through the doors of that company was that there was no one that
Representation matters and it’s important for companies to hire people from diverse backgrounds. It’s also important that leaders provide the next generation of black leaders with mentors to support them. looked like me. Representation matters and it’s important for companies to hire people from diverse backgrounds. It’s also important that leaders provide the next generation of black leaders with mentors to support them. The mentor’s role is to provide a safe space for the professional to learn and grow while providing a sense of community. It goes without saying that companies should have policies and procedures that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; however, it’s much bigger than that. Leaders must provide workplaces where black professionals can thrive. Companies end up losing black professionals because they don’t feel seen, heard, or supported. Leaders must be trained how to understand black professionals and allow them to bring their “whole selves” to work. It’s essential that they take the time to learn about the pressures that black professionals may be dealing with outside of the workplace. When these things don’t happen, black professionals feel isolated and alone. There is not a one size fits all formula to support the next generation of leaders. A good starting place is to provide a safe space, genuinely care, and take the time to invest in your black professionals.
www.diversityjournal.com
AWARD
Tyneeha Rivers