Equity Unplugged

"Equity Unplugged" was an honest conversation about the shifting U.S. workforce.

Thanks to Katie Mehnert of ALLY Energy and Xchelsia Jennings of Baker Hughes in Houston for hosting a group of professionals from several Houston organizations interested in making workplaces truly equitable—not simply ticking boxes but creating real change!

Landi Spearman did a great job engaging everyone in the SHIFT that always needs to take place in change efforts of any size.

Thanks to the expert panel of Lemar Marie Brown, Victor V. Wright, Carol Lee Andersen, Julie Shochat, and Juliana Garaizar, who shared personal stories and closely held values.

What struck me most was the emphasis on authenticity and grit to do what STILL needs to be done.

Specifically, there is a need to have honest conversations, build meaningful connections, and be prepared to do the hard work to dismantle systemic inequities.

Equity work requires cross-level discussion on systemic challenges and solutions, particularly acknowledging that "equity" means providing value to shareholders, stakeholders, AND communities.

The event also highlighted the importance of moving beyond tokenism and focusing on systemic change. To make the SHIFT, we must equip our leaders with the tools and data to drive real progress beyond gender and race.

Overall, "Equity Unplugged" was a powerful reminder that equity is a journey, not a destination.

It never ends.

It requires constant effort, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to creating a better future for everyone.