Disrupting Diversity (11:30am - 1:30pm)

Diversity initiatives started in a place that was largely reactionary and driven by external measurements. At the turn of the century, diversity was all about ranking well on surveys such as those conducted by Black Enterprise, Working Mother, Fortune, and Diversity Inc. Companies measured success by gaining the approval of organizations such as the NAACP.

In other words, diversity and inclusion was about counting heads versus making heads count. Companies quickly learned that this short-sighted approach of setting number goals and just focusing on surface level diversity wasn’t working. Thankfully, the business case for diversity and inclusion has evolved significantly over the years. Today, we understand that diversity and inclusion matters because it is important that our organizations reflect the communities in which we serve.

Companies still want equity in their numbers, but there is ever-mounting data that diversity + inclusion makes organizations more profitable, more creative, more effective, and more innovative. HR professional networks like the Women’s Foodservice Forum, The Conference Board, SHRM, and the Consortium now see diversity as a top business driver. Through an increased focus on leadership commitment, cultural change, and talent acquisition and development, HR professionals can be the champions to disrupt diversity.

In this presentation, Terrian Barnes, the owner of Fe-smart LLC, will highlight

• A timeline of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• Current trends in diversity and inclusion that HR leaders need to know to be diversity champions
• The future of diversity and inclusion

Terrian Barnes, Principal/Owner of Fe-smart, LLC

Terrian Barnes is the principal/owner of Fe-smart LLC, a women's leadership consultancy, and a seasoned diversity and inclusion expert. She created the role of Chief Diversity Officer at Yum! Brands, a Fortune 500 global restaurant company, and was the business leader responsible for optimizing innovation through multicultural marketing, inclusive HR leadership practices, minority and women's business development, and strategic community engagement.

Prior to Yum!, Terrian was a Washington, DC franchise trade association executive advocating for economic development in underserved markets and spearheading women’s and minority leadership initiatives. As a national industry spokesperson, she appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and was one of Black Enterprise Magazine's 2011 Top Diversity Executives.

She serves on the boards of the Children's Hospital Foundation, Bernheim Forest, Kentucky to the World, and the National Trust Community Investment Corporation. She is a founding member of Women Influencing Louisville; a Compassionate Louisville volunteer; and a member of the American Heart Association Circle of Red Society.

LSHRM Diversity Fair (1:45pm-3:30pm)