As SCA vice president and chief diversity officer, Suzanne oversees the Business Development Division (BDD) in the management of the SCA’s MWLBE programs. BDD has developed and launched new mentor technical assistance and training programs to provide assistance and training to contractors. These improvements have allowed firms to move and grow seamlessly from doing work under $1 million to bidding, winning, and successfully completing multi-million dollar projects. The SCA’s MWLBE programs are nationally recognized and duplicated by many agencies and authorities throughout New York. She is constantly called upon to advise and assist other agencies and authorities in the development of their MWBE and mentor programs.
Kevin Wells
Chief Diversity Officer, Wildlife Conservation Society
Kevin Wells is chief diversity officer for the Wildlife Conservation Society, a wildlife conservation organization in 60 countries. WCS manages four NYC zoos and the NY Aquarium. Wells has over 20 years of DEI experience in the public and private sector, both nationally and internationally. He develops and implements DEI initiatives including supplier diversity. A former environmental attorney who transitioned to human rights advocacy, Kevin was chief diversity officer for the NYC Department of Sanitation.
How do you define diversity, equity and inclusion?
By my definition diversity, equity, and inclusion is the concerted effort to identify, to focus attention on, and to help remove those social barriers which prevent persons of all backgrounds and walks of life from reaching their full potential. Moreover, DEI initiatives mean nothing if individuals fail to have a true sense of belonging within their work community, within their social environments or even within a multicultural setting such as New York City.
What motivated you to become a DEI advocate?
Well, I know my heritage, my culture and my history, and I feel proud of my own identity. However, I’ve never lost sight of the fact that not everyone of any race, ethnicity, gender, orientation or color will champion and advocate for each other or will unabashedly stand up and be counted. Being aware of this reality and always listening to the perspectives of others made me certain that I wanted to make a difference.
What do you think are some of the benefits of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion?
At WCS, the benefits of promoting DEI are wide and varied. Our Employee Resource Groups succeeded in implementing a 50% food discount for staff. We sponsored numerous monthly events to commemorate Pride, Black History, Women’s Awareness, Asian and Hispanic Heritages. WCS has gained a solid reputation for being socially responsible in the conservation sector, in part by distributing the first DEI annual report and launching our supplier diversity portal initiative. Our leadership set the tone!
Peter Wilson Jr.
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Cravath, Swaine & Moore
Peter Wilson Jr. currently serves as chief diversity and inclusion officer at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. With a decade of experience, Peter leads the effort to support and guide diversity and inclusion initiatives across the firm. Prior to joining Cravath, Swaine & Moore, Peter served as Day Pitney’s director of diversity and legal recruiting after eight years as an associate with the firm.
Jo-Ann Yoo
Executive Director, Asian American Federation
Jo-Ann Yoo is the executive director of the Asian American Federation. 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. Her guidance has shaped AAF’s endeavors to combat anti-Asian violence in New York starting in 2020, particularly through the Hope Against Hate campaign, AAF’s signature effort to provide safety to Asian New Yorkers.
How do you define diversity, equity and inclusion?
I find it important to recognize the intersectionality of our multifaceted identities and acknowledge that individuals on our staff may possess multiple dimensions of diversity beyond their Asian heritage. Furthermore, I make sure that we all have opportunities to engage in ongoing learning, self-reflection, dialogue and opportunities to interact as teammates to challenge biases, address systemic barriers, and create an inclusive workplace culture that celebrates diversity and promotes equitable opportunities for all my staff.
What do you think are some of the benefits of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion?
Bringing together people of diverse backgrounds and races in an organization creates a churn of fresh ideas, insights and approaches to problem-solving. A diversity of thought fosters creativity, encourages innovation, and strengthens AAF’s ability to adapt and thrive. I believe that respecting and valuing our employees in all their wonderful variety leads to greater engagement and satisfaction.
