2024 Power Players in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Ever since a teacher made him Thurgood Marshall in a school play, Travis Rodgers – SVP for diversity, fairness, and belonging at Rising Ground – has firmly believed in fighting for equity and justice. A native of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Travis obtained his B.A. in political science and his M.S.W. focusing on community organizing and children and youth, from the University of Michigan. He subsequently received his J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Patience. I would say that part of me becoming a DEI professional started as an undergrad at the University of Michigan at the time of the affirmative action debates. I helped some people walk the continuum to be on my side of the issue, but it takes a lot of time, it takes a lot of patience, and it takes a lot of education. I have honed those skills over time.

Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important to you and/or your organization?
It’s important to Rising Ground because the people we support are often the most forgotten about folks in the city and so it is critical that we approach all of our activities through a lens of equity and a lens of fairness to be able to make sure that our staff is equipped to help these folks and also to advocate and fight against the systems that have created the situation that they’re in.

What advice do you have for organizations looking to establish or improve DEI initiatives?
Leadership needs to be dedicated to the work. Being able to report directly to the CEO and having a CEO who is dedicated to the work has been essential to my career and growth. Setting aside a budget for DEI work is also key. If you say you are going to have a DEI interest then you need to be committed to that work, and not just do a rainbow cup during Pride.

Jacqueline Rosa grew up in Spanish Harlem and transformed her life through education and determination. As an “A Better Chance” scholar, she attended The Taft School, gaining invaluable experiences that fueled her ambition. She attended Fordham University and built a global career in marketing and DEI. Rosa’s roles at Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase showcased her dedication to diversity. Currently, she is the chief DEI officer at Amalgamated Bank, driving positive social change.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in my career is the significance of authenticity, empathy and active listening. Understanding the diverse perspectives and experiences of others is essential for fostering an inclusive environment and effectively addressing systemic inequities. By listening empathetically and engaging with authenticity, you can build trust, drive meaningful change, and create a culture of belonging within your organization.

Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important to you and/or your organization?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to both my values and to Amalgamated Bank, which has championed social justice for 100 years. We embed these principles into our hiring, recruitment, and investments, supporting people and organizations that drive positive change. We also refuse to lend to those who fail to uphold our values. I am proud of our unwavering commitment to building a just and equitable world, which fuels all our efforts.  We were born pushing progress and have never stopped!

What advice do you have for organizations looking to establish or improve DEI initiatives?
To establish or improve DEI initiatives start with your employees. Recruit a diverse workforce and cultivate a workplace where employees are encouraged to ask questions, challenge norms, and embrace new possibilities. Success thrives in a strong culture united by a shared purpose, inclusion and ethics. Cultivating this culture is continual, allowing for constant enhancement.

Senator James Sanders Jr., a dedicated veteran, has a distinguished career in public service. He initiated the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise program, served as council member, and is currently the chairman for banks of New York State. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing economic inclusion and supporting community development across the state.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I have learned during my career is to be humble. Humility puts you a step closer toward greatness and allows you to learn and grow continuously.

Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important to you and/or your organization?
Diversity, equity and inclusion is important to any organization that wants to grow because it fosters a culture of innovation, creativity and mutual respect. By embracing diverse perspectives we can better understand and serve the people of our community.

What advice do you have for organizations looking to establish or improve DEI initiatives?
Organizations aiming to enhance DEI initiatives should ensure leadership commitment and establish channels for open dialogue. By fostering a culture of respect and accountability organizations can improve their workforces’ well-being and overall performance.

Trisch L. Smith, a communications expert and diversity champion, has spent 18 years at Edelman managing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and associations like Chevron, Toyota, and Walmart. As the global chief diversity and inclusion officer, she oversees D&I training, recruitment, and strategic engagement. Trisch has earned numerous accolades, including the Woman of Excellence award, and serves on various boards. She holds degrees from the University of Maryland and Morgan State University.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
One crucial lesson I’ve learned is not to let fear consume you. It’s normal to have some fear, but don’t let it paralyze you. Face your challenges despite the fear. You’ll only regret the time lost and opportunities missed due to fear. Additionally, don’t be afraid to fail – you often learn more from failures than successes. Embrace your fears and learn from your experiences to reach your goals.

Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important to you and/or your organization?
Diverse voices and true equity and inclusion are vital for success. At Edelman, diversity and inclusion are key to creating impactful campaigns for our clients. We must strategically diversify our workforce and ensure an inclusive workplace to deliver stronger business results. By adding “Belonging” to our DEI framework, we aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. This mission is personal, ensuring everyone has a voice and can be their authentic selves.

What advice do you have for organizations looking to establish or improve DEI initiatives?
To advance efforts, organizations can:

• Establish accountability: Ensure leaders and employees have DEI knowledge and are held accountable with specific KPIs.
• Cultivate community: Create employee groups and initiatives for support and discussions on social issues.
• Provide psychological safety: Foster courageous conversations for sharing and learning, especially during times of heightened anxiety.
• Communicate transparently: Integrate DEI messaging into organizational updates to maintain clarity on DEI progress and goals.

Theresa Torres is the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In her role, Theresa provides oversight of DE&I initiatives, partnering with colleagues across the institution to build a culture of inclusion. Previously, Theresa was senior director global advisory services at Diversity Best Practices, where she advised member companies within the financial and technology sectors. Theresa holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational behavior from Concordia College.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Be resilient. Creating change, adding value, and making an impact often comes after navigating many obstacles and naysayers and definitely requires endurance and belief. Keep focused on your end-state and the positive outcomes you are after.

Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important to you and/or your organization?
This work is about everyone and maximizing the unique contributions each individual brings to our collective work. I don’t know one person who doesn’t want to feel that they are included and belong – it’s when you do your best work and feel fulfilled.

What advice do you have for organizations looking to establish or improve DEI initiatives?
Be curious. Listen to your colleagues to understand what they need. Recognize that there is no “one size fits all” for inclusion and that it’s only through truly understanding the lived experience of others and how that impacts what they need to be successful that can we begin to craft better solutions and support.

Suzanne Veira is a distinguished professional with almost 40 years of experience in government service. Her role is pivotal in promoting diversity and inclusivity, focusing on creating opportunities for minorities, women, and local business enterprises. Her extensive background in budgeting, procurement, and program development has been instrumental in driving the SCA’s mission to enhance opportunities for MWLBE firms across its capital program.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
I have made a significant impact on diversity in government contracting, particularly through my role as the chief diversity officer. My leadership has been pivotal in implementing initiatives that promote inclusivity and equal opportunity for minorities, women, and local businesses. My efforts have led to the SCA’s mentor programs being recognized as a national model, which has been instrumental in driving billions in prime contract awards to MWLBE firms.

Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important to you and/or your organization?
M/WBEs play a crucial role in community development by driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering local entrepreneurship. These initiatives demonstrate how M/WBEs are integral to creating equitable growth and vibrant communities, as they bring diverse perspectives and solutions to the table, ensuring that development benefits a broad spectrum of society.

What advice do you have for organizations looking to establish or improve DEI initiatives?
New York has consistently and routinely called upon the SCA when it comes to successful MWLBE participation in government contracting and BDD is taking the lead in assisting other agencies develop their MWBE business development programs. The SCA’s success is evidenced by numbers that surpass all other New York City agencies. In Fiscal Year 2023, there were more than 950 certified MWLBE firms prequalified to perform work with the SCA.

Ken Walker is the executive vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and culture at Per Scholas, bridging the gap between external partnerships and internal culture. A tech industry veteran, Ken co-founded Diverse by Design to improve diversity in tech by providing companies with the tools to develop and retain diverse technology talent. He champions diversity and inclusion with over 30 years of experience across various sectors.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Forging meaningful human connections and building relationships deeply resonate with my spirit. Listening to people’s stories and seeking common ground as humans holds greater value than mere facts and data. By practicing these principles, I engage in more effective and authentic conversations, allowing my high energy to shine. This approach enhances my interactions, especially in environments where the power of diversity, belonging, and inclusivity is embraced and thrives.

Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important to you and/or your organization?
Per Scholas’s work has seen entire communities mobilize economically and companies grow their ROI while stabilizing their workforce. That’s the power of prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and culture (DEIB&C) in the workplace. Within this tech-driven economy, we see a real opportunity to transform the industry through our intentional work to bridge the divides, unlocking potential for employers while paving fruitful careers for untapped tech talent.

What advice do you have for organizations looking to establish or improve DEI initiatives?
Success in DEIB&C means it becomes intrinsic to the company’s DNA rather than seen as a buzzword. In many cases, we see DEI initiatives being cut by companies before being truly embraced, leaving a house built on sand. To ensure lasting change rather than a temporary fix, start by analyzing your current and future talent gaps. Recognizing potential shortcomings, addressing gaps, and building from there is important.

As chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, Jackie Wilson oversees DEI and social justice related strategies and initiatives for BSE properties including Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets, the New York Liberty, the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League and NetsGC of the NBA 2K League. He spearheads BSE’s Diversity Council, Employee Resource Groups, the Brooklyn Nets United Games platform and collaborates to provide a DEI lens to departments across the company. Jackie also developed BSE’s Supplier Diversity Program, which creates opportunities for local minority and women-owned businesses to become suppliers of goods and services for the organization. 

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
The most important lesson I’ve learned thus far in my career is recognizing it’s okay to ask for help, while simultaneously being willing to help others along the way. Oftentimes we operate individually and want to problem-solve on our own, however, asking questions and seeking outside assistance can help completely reshape the way you think about a situation or project and can help you become a more efficient and effective teammate. It’s also important to pay it forward and take time to help those who seek out your guidance.

Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important to you and/or your organization?
Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives help companies provide access to opportunities for those who may not have otherwise been able to receive them and also bring together a wide breadth of different thought and creativity that ultimately pushes an organization forward. 

As a large-scale sports and entertainment company in Brooklyn – one of the most diverse areas of the world – DE&I is at the core of everything we do at BSE Global, and one of our objectives is to foster a culture of inclusivity and diversity across our organization which extends to the work we do in our communities. We are proud of the breadth and reach of our programs and community activations and are constantly thinking of how we can celebrate and support the Brooklyn community to ensure every resident of the borough sees themselves and their culture reflected in our programming, our initiatives, and our employees. 

What advice do you have for organizations looking to establish or improve DEI initiatives?
Authenticity is key and in order to be effective, DE&I must be woven into the fabric of your organization. Organizations cannot have a lasting impact by simply checking a box. At BSE Global, we’ve found success incorporating DE&I in our approach to recruiting and retaining talent, how we seek business partnerships and how we ultimately build relationships with the communities we operate in. Our supplier diversity initiative supports Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE’s) with the opportunity to become suppliers of goods and services for the Nets, Liberty and Barclays Center. We also created Brooklyn Market at Barclays Center to provide local and minority-owned restaurants the opportunity to sell their food and beverage items to our guests. These programs are part of our larger efforts to support economic mobility and provide opportunities for diverse business owners with a priority focus on Brooklyn.

Denise’s career in philanthropy and equity, diversity and inclusion spans more than 20 years.  Denise is currently the president of the Synchrony Foundation and vice president, corporate citizenship and diversity outreach. She leads Synchrony’s charitable efforts and designed the company’s signature philanthropic program, Education as an Equalizer, which addresses the education disparities of low-income and marginalized communities and links Synchrony’s efforts to increase equity for all. 

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Show up. As with all things in life, you get out of it what you put into it.  I’ve had previous jobs I hated, but it always made me feel better about myself if I did my job well. Show up to do a good job, be a good teammate, learn and make an impression. If you do those things, soon enough you will be in a job you love.

Why is diversity, equity and inclusion important to you and/or your organization?
Each word in DEI means something distinct. Diversity is understanding we are not a monolith and that diversity makes us better. Equity is knowing everyone is not born with the same opportunities, so we should provide them. Inclusion is embracing an individual for who they are rather than who you want them to be. As a whole, DEI is an effort to equalize opportunities and advance belonging, which is what I’ve worked on my entire career. 

What advice do you have for organizations looking to establish or improve DEI initiatives?
Start by listening and having an external lens. Don’t create anything without learning from and including your employees and communities. Being exclusive with your DEI work is counter to what the work is supposed to accomplish. 

Jo-Ann Yoo is the executive director of the Asian American Federation (AAF). AAF is the strongest leadership organization in New York that collaborates with nearly 70 member and partner organizations to raise the influence and well-being of the 1.5 million-strong Asian community. Under Jo-Ann’s leadership, AAF has emerged as a powerful advocate for a community-centered response to the anti-Asian hate crisis.