Writer: Gabriela Enamorado
3 min read October 2023 — Last month, at the Focus: Atlanta 2022-2023 Launch Conference, public and private leaders gathered to discuss how Atlanta’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion has become one of its biggest strengths and why this focus will remain essential in continuing to drive the economy forward.
Atlanta is known for being one of the most diverse cities in the country. According to Data USA, the five largest ethnic groups in metro Atlanta are non-Hispanic Black or African-American (49.3%), Non-Hispanic white (38%), Non-Hispanic Asian (4.74%), Two or more races (2.43%) and Hispanic of any race (4.94%). Metro Atlanta also has a large foreign-born population, making up around 8% of the area’s population. Atlanta’s leaders recognize its growing diversity as one of the key drivers for the local economy, as discussed at this year’s Launch Conference.
Bryan Palmer, CEO of Georgia and Alabama for UnitedHealthcare, was the panel presenter for the second panel, titled “Driving force: Why Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion have become and will remain essential factors in the modern economy.” The panel was moderated by Patti Garrett, mayor of the City of Decatur, and featured panelists Kim Rousseau, principal and corporate interiors firmwide practice chair for Atlanta at Perkins&Will; Michael Baptiste, the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion for Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Kathryn McClymond, interim president of Oglethorpe University. The group discussed how the Atlanta area has become a more equitable environment, what it means for businesses to have a commitment to DEI and how to balance growth while maintaining a standard of equity.
The conversation kicked off with Rousseau discussing what exactly commitment to DEI means for businesses and how Perkins&Will in Atlanta has been handling that. “We work with a number of different types of corporations, but the ones that do the most good are the ones that are truly invested in their people,”said Rousseau. “Our company is a forerunner in that. We have a Chief Diversity Officer and she has instilled in us the freedom to interact and have honest conversations in the workplace. That has fostered a lot of support and interest in a lot of different cultures and backgrounds.”
From an educational perspective, McClymond spoke on how Olgethorpe is committed to providing teaching and learning excellence in an inclusive environment.
“The only way to have innovation is if you have a diverse team of people at the table, equitably involved in the conversation and included in generating conversations,” said McClymond. “Right now I am building the Atlanta of 2077 and that is what is important to me.”
Baptiste added that a company’s DEI culture must be ingrained in the company’s DNA. From CEO’s to the lowest-level employees, everyone in the company should be on the same page.
“DEI is everyone’s job,” said Baptiste. “It’s not just the DEI person or the HR person. Everyone plays a part in making DEI successful.”
Mayor Garrett added that the City of Decatur had recently hired a DEI Engagement Manager and was keeping DEI efforts top of mind for the city. The conversation then shifted to balancing economic development while maintaining that equitable environment.
Rousseau brought up the Sustainability Triangle of Thriving Communities and how the environment, society and economy are on the forefront of what makes a thriving community. She mentioned that these factors are not mutually exclusive and should all work together to continue developing a community.
McClymond mentioned how she does not see any conflict between economic development and diversity. In fact, she sees it more as a partnership.
“I think if we are all doing our jobs right, we are creating opportunities for students in education,” said McClymond.”Before they are in your interview room, they are in my classroom. I am thinking about what they need when they walk into the interview room. What people need is people that are thinking about innovation, people who know how to work in a team and collaborate to generate new ideas and imagine a new future. That is all a part of a rich educational experience and that only happens in a diverse and inclusive environment.”
Baptiste highlighted that there is still need for improvement, especially when it comes to access to resources for all communities. He encouraged those who do have those resources to share with those who don’t have access to them. When asked about how businesses should nurture an equitable work environment, he said the key is being intentional.
“Make sure as a company that you are thinking about this DEI journey authentically with regards to what your organization could do or what’s right for your organization,” said Baptiste. “Not doing it for PR, for trends or for marketing but doing it because it is the right thing to do.”
The conversation then shifted to looking ahead at the future and how leaders hope to leverage DEI efforts. From an architectural and designing standpoint, Rousseau mentioned how she and her team work together with companies on understanding and embracing Atlanta’s true heritage. McClymond doubled down on being intentional about embracing Atlanta’s population and culture while creating access for everyone. Baptise highlighted the need for support of entrepreneurs of color and women entrepreneurs.
To close out the conversation, the panelists spoke about what they are looking out for in terms of pending legislation or regulations. Baptiste mentioned that the Atlanta business community needs to continue working on DEI initiatives during a time where DEI efforts are under attack. McClymond jumped on his point and cautioned leaders against constraints on what educators can talk about in the classroom.
“We have an incredibly rich population and to make people feel like they cannot talk about what that means for their day-to-day experience and the workforce, it’s going to silence people,” said McClymond. “It makes them feel not valued at the table.”
Rousseau looked toward development and zoning laws. She encouraged leaders to fight old policy ideas and come up with new policies to support equitable development.
To see the full video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn7QyuvLkns
