In our celebration of Black History Month, Stephanie and Mandy are joined by Jessica Jones to talk Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the workplace.
Jessica Jones serves as Manager, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Smithfield Foods, Inc., with over 15 years of experience in program management, corporate communications, equity and inclusion and organizational change management. Jessica manages the full strategic implementation of Smithfield’s DEI strategy including EBRG (Employee Business Resource Groups) governance, three-part DEI training series company wide, and oversight of their college and university programs.
Jessica actively partners with business leaders across the company to ensure Smithfield’s DEI commitment is shared in multiple ways Jessica also leads the Operations Leadership Program (OLP) and Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) to grow and retain current operations leaders in direct partnership with Smithfield’s commitment to its people. Jessica began her career at Smithfield in July 2018. Previous to that, she worked with state government and other Fortune 500 companies in communications, global event planning and human resources. She is a graduate of Radford University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in corporate communications and public advocacy and she is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Georgetown University.
“The advocacy part is, instead of just observing, you go to your leadership and say, ‘I’m happy to have a seat at the table…but there are other women of color who need to be sitting right beside me, who have thoughts, opinions, and expertise that we need at this table to be successful. What are we doing about that?’”
In this episode, you will learn:
● Why Black History Month makes Jessica smile from ear to ear;
● How to use the tools of DEI to make positive change and increase metrics;
● What it means to be an Advocate and an Ally;
● How to have uncomfortable conversations that build connection, make an impact, and develop belonging.
Don’t miss as Jessica shares WHAT SHE’S GOT IN HER BAG at the end!
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