In your view, why is diversity and inclusion important for your organization, as well as the entire region?
In today’s society, it continues to be important to emphasize intentional dialogue around issues of inclusion and diversity. At Commerce, emphasizing our commitment to inclusion and diversity is a core component of our business strategy. Commerce strives to be both the bank of choice and the employer of choice in the communities we serve. In order to effectively accomplish those goals, it is important that we have the cultural competency to meet the changing needs of an increasingly diverse world. We believe that diversity encompasses the entire human experience and being able to leverage the range of perspectives that those experiences bring to the table helps us make stronger decisions as an organization. I believe this same approach applies to the St. Louis region.
In your current role and in previous roles with other organizations, how do you personally help “engage” employees, managers, and the entire organization in diversity and inclusion?
I am responsible for the creation and management of a strategy that creates a work environment that is both diverse and inclusive at Commerce Bank. I place emphasis on both because there are environments where one doesn’t necessarily include the other. I am focused on engaging with our employees and building relationships to ensure that doesn’t happen at Commerce Bank. As we continue to get better at engaging with others, we further build our ability to better serve our increasingly diverse customer base. At a previous employer, I was also fortunate enough to lead an employee business resource group that helped build my competency in working with my organization to engage with a diverse customer segment.
How has your time as a St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellow and FOCUS St. Louis Emerging Leaders Program participant helped you professionally as well as personally?
While in college, I came across a leadership principle from Colin Powell that states, “Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than the science of management says is possible.” This principle helped to shape my perspective of leadership and my experiences with the STLBDI and FOCUS Emerging Leaders program really helped me to refine this “art.” On a professional level, STLBDI opened my mind to the possibility of inclusion and diversity as a rewarding career path and, on a personal level, STLBDI has taught me the importance of taking full accountability for development in all aspects of my life.
What advice would you give to area minority college students who feel they are very limited in career opportunities in St. Louis?
Be intentional about developing relationships on and off campus. Companies in St. Louis and around the country are constantly seeking high-performing talent and, increasingly, high-performing talent from diverse backgrounds. Developing relationships through the career services office, job fairs, internships and volunteer or community service opportunities is key.
