IWLA DEI Council Newsletter | |  |
|
|
The History of HBCUs
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have emerged as pillars of academic excellence and social progress, having been established during a time when black students were systematically denied access to higher education due to the brutal reality of segregation. The genesis of HBCUs can be traced back to the period between 1865 and 1900, with the majority of these institutions being founded in 1867, a mere two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, the United States boasts a total of 107 HBCUs, many of which offer comprehensive programs in supply chain management, transportation, and logistics.
| |
|
Career Opportunities
For countless years, corporations have actively relied on college-based initiatives, such as internships and job fairs, to identify and recruit exceptional talent. College job fairs have proven to be an excellent source for discovering the next generation of exceptional leaders. Within this landscape, HBCUs have consistently been at the vanguard of providing high-quality education to historically marginalized and underserved communities. Even today, these esteemed institutions continue to play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for aspiring professionals seeking careers in logistics management.
| |
|
On-Campus Career Fairs
Many HBCUs offer an extensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs specifically tailored to the field of logistics management. Recognizing the challenges associated with recruiting within the supply chain industry, many colleges organize on-campus career fairs, providing an invaluable platform for companies to not only attract fresh talent but also forge enduring relationships with these esteemed institutions.
| |
Select HBCUs with Supply Chain Management, Transportation and Logistics programs | |
Please visit the career pages of these universities to become involved in recruiting from HBCUs with Supply Chain Management programs. Most offer career fairs in February and again in the fall. | |
|
Leverage Talent
The recruitment of supply chain management professionals from HBCUs is not only a strategic business decision but also a testament to the commitment of companies towards diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. By tapping into the talent pool of HBCUs, organizations can benefit from a rich and diverse perspective, innovative thinking, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities. As the demand for skilled supply chain professionals continues to grow, it is imperative for companies to actively engage with colleges and universities and leverage their programs, resources, and networks to build a strong and inclusive workforce for the future.
| |
|
Article Contributor:
Casia Howard, Human Resources Manager
Romark Logistics
| |
|
James Wright Jr. - Barrett Distribution Centers | |
|
Join us in this exclusive IWLA DEI Spotlight interview featuring Barrett Distribution Center's Training & Development Manager, James Wright Jr.
In this discussion, James shares his journey to becoming a driving force in the logistics world and how his passion for training and development has become a cornerstone of success for many companies throughout his career.
James also shares strategies and insights to foster an inclusive environment within the warehouse industry. Learn why nurturing talent from HBCUs and engaging with various communities is crucial for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce.
| |
Why A ‘Lay Low’ DEI Strategy Is Especially Bad Right Now
Politicized attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion have frightened many educational, military, and corporate leaders. Executives don’t want their organizations to be targets of unnecessarily polarizing, headline-grabbing schemes to mislead the public about DEI. Some are therefore running scared, renaming, and not calling attention to their DEI initiatives. Read More
| |
|
How Corporate America Can Work with HBCUs to Boost Economic Mobility and Build Diverse Talent Pipelines
The Supreme Court’s decision this year to end affirmative action in college and university admissions – and the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) it emboldened – creates a more challenging environment for companies’ DEI efforts. Companies are now expected to balance growing pressure for more inclusive workplaces with the reality that recruitment of workers of color from institutions of higher education may become more challenging in the coming years. Read More
| |
The History and Importance of the HBCU Experience | |
|
The educational experiences found in Historically Black Colleges and Universities are preparing students to succeed in a world that is in great need of their perspectives. Dr. Robinson provides insight into the way considering culture in under-served populations
is key to helping students learn, lead, and thrive.
Dr. Elwood Robinson is the thirteenth chancellor of Winston-Salem State University. He has over 30 years of higher education experience working at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions. He received his bachelor's and master’s degrees from HBCUs.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
| |
Currently IWLA has 36 minority owned companies on record. If your company is minority-owned, please email membership@iwla.com to update your company profile. | |
|
The IWLA DEI Council is comprised of representatives from our member companies who work together to research and share with the Association data, issues, innovative thinking, case studies, and best practices in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of its members.
One focus area for the Council is growing the workforce. We hope to bring new, innovative ideas for attracting people and finding traditionally-overlooked talent. This includes labor, supervision, management, and ownership. We also want to attract people into the industry by bringing to light and sharing with them the available opportunities. While our industry has a very diverse workforce now, we need to show what a great opportunity it is for people of all walks of life.
- Tom Landry is Chairman of Allegiance Staffing, and the Board Liason of the IWLA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council.
- Pam Harris is the Director of Marketing & Supplier Diversity for ASW Global, and the Chair for the IWLA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council.
| |
Are you interested in participating in the DEI Council to develop education content, and keep members in the know about what is happening in the workforce around us? This is included in your membership. Let us know here! | |
The IWLA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council Update is designed to promote the benefits of a diverse workforce and diverse company leadership. | | | | |
