Page 5 - BEQ Magazine Iss 21 rev01072022

PUBLISHER’S NOTE
BEQ PRIDE
ADVISORY
BOARD
JEDI

Why hasn’t someone sness, we are starting off 2022 with
created a standard moniker Dr. Ellonda L. Williams of B Lab,
for referring to D&I, DEIJ, whose title is literally Director of
DEIB, DEI, DEIJB, Diversity & JEDI. She is widely recognized as a LYNN
C . REYES
Inclusion? Is the ‘E’ for Equity #JEDIBadAss who shares the JEDI Business Value Artisan
IBM Corporation
or Equality now? Inclusivity, way in an organization built around
Diversity and Belonging? I am the idea of business as a force for
taking a stand, I have work good in the world.
to do and rearranging the We have a number of amazing
diversity word salad is over- people and ideas in this issue, but
rated. For the work I love so I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I am
much, I’ve settled on JEDI and extremely proud of my daughter,
luckily my team agrees. Besides, Justice, Equity, Marie Dillard, who is the first BEQ Gen Z con- KJ
WARD, ED .M .
Diversity and Inclusion doesn’t roll so easily off tributor. She is a #JEDIBadAss in her own right. sysTemic160/ ECF
the tongue, but ahhh JEDI does. And, just like that, She’s reporting on her recent conversation with Strategy
Writer, Editor,
‘JEDI Masters’, ‘JEDI Practitioners’ and ‘JEDI Prin- a Millennial, quasi-celebrity politician from Del- Communications
Professional
ciples’ seem to be popping up everywhere. aware where Marie is a part-time resident and
According to Star Wars Fandom, a Jedi was a a full-time high school student. We will also be
devotee to the ways of the Jedi Order, an ancient releasing video excerpts from Marie’s interview
order of protectors united by their ability to har- with Sarah McBride, a state senator representing
ness the power of the Force – full stop… I like the Delaware’s first district, over the coming weeks.
way this sounds. I am all about harnessing power Finally, the Winter issue is my absolute fav
and flowing with the mysterious energy field because of the annual BEQ Pride 40 LGBTQ Lead- ROBIN
PULFORD
created by life that binds our Diversity galaxy ers Under 40. We are once again privileged to get Supplier Diversity
together. I call it like I see it. When you intend to know our fifth cohort of young LGBTQ+/SGL Manager
American Airline
to make a difference, commit to what must be leaders. Stay tuned for a social media campaign, (Retired)
done and commence to keep things moving for- additional interviews and you can thank me later
ward, you are a #JEDI #badass in my book. And for having led the compilation of a list of amazing
that brings me to two wonderful things that are leaders and influencers like no other. They are
on the horizon for 2022. First, we will be taking collectively a massive force for good in our world.
our special brand of JEDI badassness to several I am grateful for each one and thankful for the
live stream platforms and we are expanding the BEQ team.
number and variety of voices we amplify. Until next time, enjoy and Happy New Year. MICHAEL K .
Strengthening the JEDI ecosystem by further ROBINSON
Program Director,
diversifying the voices and the sources of our Supplier Diversity
contributors, sponsors, partners and colleagues IBM Corporation
constitutes a pivot and a new growth trajectory
for the BEQ team. In the spirit of true JEDI badas-

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
WINTER 2021/22 5
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