Page 5 - BEQ Magazine Iss 20 Fall 2021 WebRev09272021

PUBLISHER’S NOTE
BEQ PRIDE
ADVISORY
BOARD
An inclusive business

When I sit and think that intersection of identity, purpose and
we have published 20 issues influence can share their points of view
of BEQ Pride Magazine, I recall from their areas of expertise on an issue
LYNN
not knowing if I could get five or circumstance of interest to our audi- C. REYES
people to sign up or any brands ence. We are pleased to share thoughts Business Value Artisan
IBM Corporation
to support this mission. I only from Leah Rader Bowers, Ph.D. and
knew what I saw firsthand— David R. Morse in these pages.
many of our LGBTQ friends Equitable Futures will examine
and allies were struggling to actions taken now that are an invest-
amplify the messages behind ment in a more equitable future for
our expectation of inclusive all. In this issue, we are taking a deep
business — equitable treatment dive into the Ypsilanti, Mich. world
KJ
in the workplace, equal access to supply chain oppor- of Eastern Michigan University. Dr. James Smith, WARD, ED.M.
tunities and Main Street open and welcoming to all. university president, has much to be proud of with sysTemic160/ ECF
Strategy
the implementation of generative and strategic goals Writer, Editor,
“If you have come to help me, you are wasting like preparing students to successfully and meaning- Communications
Professional
your time. But, if you have come because your fully interact with people from diverse backgrounds
liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work through active global engagement. Strong cultural
together.” awareness and respect, responsibility, pride and
~Aboriginal Activists diversity are at the core of the university’s mission to
Queensland, Australia prepare students for the future.
We are opening nominations for our fifth annual list
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can of leaders 40 and under. Beginning October 1st, you can ROBIN
PULFORD
only be human together.” visit our website and tell us about the young leaders we Supplier Diversity
~Desmond Tutu need to know from your neighborhood, organization or Manager
American Airline
network. We are excited to add to the list of 168 young (Retired)
Both are sentiments with which we intend to leaders making the world a better place.
facilitate the growth and visibility of the LGBTQ+ As in every issue, there are many examples of
business community for the next 20 issues of BEQ the humanity that fuels our individual pursuit and
Pride Magazine. expression of happiness. We are always grateful for
We are listening, watching and taking action. We our contributors, sponsors and interviewees who
have learned so much from the great pause of 2020 help bring our magazine and community to life each
and 2021, some of which Hootology founder Stefanie quarter. What we ask of our readers is to engage each MICHAEL K.
ROBINSON
Francis shares in our cover story. Her team identified a subject selected for this issue to fully experience the
Program Director,
change in BIPOC brand perception, prompting an addi- brilliance of inclusion and belonging in business. Supplier Diversity
IBM Corporation
tional study to find out the “why” behind that change.
Many changes are reflected in this issue with more to
follow in 2022. Two new BEQ Pride departments, Wid-
ening the Lens and Equitable Futures are great examples.
Widening the Lens (formerly called Perspective)
is a space where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies at the
JOY
WONG
Corporate Vice
President, Supplier
Diversity/Procurement
New York Life
Melissa Lowery Cimon Chin Justin Ogleby Tracy Skinner Ryann Brooks Kelas Lloyd Julie A. Palm
FALL 2021 5
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