Insights and Advice from Our DEI Panel
Over the Fall semester, we had the privilege of hearing from some amazing speakers, including our DEI panel. We were joined by Kevin Dobbins, VP of DEI at CoStar; Reuben Essandoh, Director of Supplier Diversity at Capital One; Adrienne Whiaker, Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access at Virginia Housing; Leigh Quarforth, Senior Director of HR Business Partner at CoStar; and Lauren Lawson, Account Manager at Arts and Letters. Each speaker shared valuable insights and experiences, making the panel an unforgettable part of our semester.
Our speakers current music favorites
Adrienne: Not like us
Reunen: One love by Bob Marley
Kevin: Sade Kiss of life
Leigh: Chappell Roan
Lauren: SWEET HONEY BUKKIIN’ by Beyonce
How Do You Ensure Everyone Feels Included?
Reuben likes to pull in the insights of people who are quieter. Kevin uses engagement surveys with an 88% response rate to understand how employees’ experiences with the company differ. He then creates action plans to address areas where employees need help feeling heard and looks for trends in the data. Lauren uses pulse checks to gauge employee feedback. Adrienne has initiatives like "Voices" and "Elevate," where employees can share their experiences with the company. "Elevate" specifically focuses on addressing disparities and working to resolve them.
Advice to students
“Your journey is your journey.” – Lauren Lawson
“Make sure you are authentic, and also use your voice.” – Reuben Essandoh
“Just be you. Leverage your voice. Don’t limit yourself to what you know.” – Reuben Essandoh
“Don’t say no to different opportunities.” – Leigh Quarforth
“Be a sponge. Do the things that people don’t want to do.” – Adrienne Whiaker
“You don’t walk through the door, you bust through the wall.” – Kevin Dobbins
“Get off your butt and talk to people.” – Adrienne Whiaker
“Go to where your clients are, listen to them, get their feedback. Don’t feel guilty going in with ‘superhero syndrome.’ Be beside them so you can build trust.” – Adrienne Whiaker
Overall Key Values
Stay a person of integrity
Understand the voice of your client
Continue to elevate your personal brand everyday
Tips on Speaking Up:
Constructive criticism: It's all about how you position it.
Sometimes you have to say it in a way that reverses everything to get people to understand.
Trust your gut but also stay respectful.
You may expect someone else to say it, but sometimes you do more harm when you don't say anything at all.
Step up and say it.
