Translating Research into Action for Achieving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
I am a professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory at Carnegie Mellon University
My research studies the power of social hierarchy and its impact on diversity and inclusion. I have a particular interest in how those at the top of social hierarchies understand their dominant position, and how they can use their position to advance the outcomes of those who have historically been disempowered.
For diversity efforts to succeed, the onus cannot be on under-represented group members to carry all the weight. My work emphasizes the important role that White Americans play in the dismantling of social inequity. My scholarly work has been published in the fields of Social Psychology and Management.
When not conducting research or teaching students at the Tepper School, I consult with companies on their DEI efforts, with a special focus on the effective implementation of sponsorship programs.
Publications for Practitioners
Fighting Backlash to Racial Equity Work: Understanding the real reasons why diversity initiatives provoke opposition can help you lead employees through cultural transformation. MIT Sloan Management Review.
with L. Taylor Phillips, Brian S. Lowery, and Miguel M. Unzueta
Don’t Just Mentor Women and People of Color. Sponsor Them.
Harvard Business Review
Sponsorship: Defining the Relationship
Women at Work Podcast - Season 4, Episode 3
Sample media commentary:
Want to address systemic racism at business schools? Let’s start with MBA program rankings.
As companies around the world rush to implement diversity and inclusion programmes, the burden to launch these initiatives are unduly falling on employees of colour.
Many well-known companies and organizations addressed and are continuing to confront longstanding hot-button issues such as policing, racism, profiling, and social injustice that were underscored by Floyd’s death.