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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers, Welcome to the sophomore issue of The Black in HR E-Magazine. Although this is our second issue, it is my first as Publisher and Editorial Director and I couldn’t be more excited to greet you! Our Inaugural issue received amazing feedback from you and continues to be shared, posted, viewed and read by Black people all around the diaspora. It proved to us at The Black in HR that this platform is one that is very much needed and wanted, and we will continue to work to bring you subject matters that are significant to US. At the time of release of this issue we as the Black community have witnessed Derek Chauvin being found guilty in the murder of George Floyd, and we are currently awaiting his sentencing. In what can arguably be viewed as the most important case not only for our community, but for the world, in the last decade, some of us view his conviction as justice while others do not. Some of you may wonder what does this have to do with the world of HR, to that we say everything! This landmark case and conviction has changed the fabric of the United States and the world. We are now seeing organizations and C-Suite level executives take notice of things that were once blind spots and seek to make changes and make them now. While we understand this has not and will not be the case with all non-Black people and organizations, we notice the shift and want to make sure that we push the initiatives being presented in order to implement real change for Black people within the ones that do. We at The Black in HR continue to strive for brave and safe spaces in which Black people can share. The stories in this issue are dynamic and focus on the Black community in a way that can only be told from our viewpoint. We hope you truly enjoy what you find within the pages of this issue. One Love,
STAFF Publisher and Editorial Director Katavia Larry Managing Editor Vanessa Roberson Art Director Larmarrous Shirley Graphic Designers Justin Nash Michael Mitchell Contributing Photographers Gordon Bayne Julia Larson Nico Marks Samson Katt Account Executives Tony Pichant Michelle Daniels Mark Smith General Staff Eustacia A. Campbell Candice Rhodes-Marshall Board of Directors Quentin Blanton, Alan Campbell, Kristena Hatcher, Dr. Christal Morris, Justin Nash, Leida Speller, Sharon
Katavia Larry, MBA, PHR Publisher and Editorial Director
Stewart, Kim Blue Terrell, Kevin Williams
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Leida Speller
Lorenzo Lewis
Working for two
The Confess Project
Kershia Johnson
Eustacia A. Campbell
Immigration Article
Marcus Bailey Black Health
Loose Ends
Carla and Camille, The HR Twins Career Salon
Dr. Mercedes Giles Stress
Whitney Herrington Kith Republic
Joanne Courtney Small Rabbit
Kimberly Hartman Masterclass
INSTAGRAM: @therealblackinhr • TWITTER: @theblackinhr Become a contributor or advertise with us by emailing admin@theblackinhr.com
CONTENTS
COVER STORY OFF THE COURT: A CONVERSATION WITH GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS EXECUTIVE, ERIN DANGERFIELD
18 departments 6 OUR COMMUNITY WORKING FOR TWO: PREPARING FINANCIALLY FOR LIFE AFTER CAREER By Leida Speller, CFP, ChFC
8 OUR COMMUNITY THE CHALLENGES OF BLACK IMMIGRATION By Kershia Johnson, CIPD
10 A BETTER YOU HEALTH TRULY IS WEALTH By Marcus Bailey
12 A BETTER YOU WHY STRESS IS MAKING YOU SICK AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT By Dr. Mercedes Giles , MD
14 THE NEXT BIG THING HUMAN RESOURCES ON DEMAND & ON YOUR SIDE By Whitney Herrington, MBA CEO & Founder of Kith Republic
16 THE NEXT BIG THING THE CONFESS PROJECT By Lorenzo Lewis, MBA
22 CULTURE & STYLE LOOSE ENDS By Eustacia A. Campbell, MBA, CCWP
24 CULTURE & STYLE THE HR TWINS By Carla Patton, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, C(k)PF and Camille Tate, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP
26 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT A SMALL RABBIT ON THE RUNWAY CAN PREVENT TAKEOFF By Joanne Courtney, MHR
28 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT A MASTERCLASS IN SELF DEVELOPMENT By Kimberly N. Hartman, MBA, SHRM-SCP
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WORKING FOR TWO: PREPARING FINANCIALLY FOR LIFE AFTER CAREER
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HE LAST YEAR FOR MANY OF US HAS BEEN about survival. We have literally been in throes of keeping ourselves, families, careers and/or businesses alive in the face of a global pandemic that has taken so many lives. The urgency and uncertainty that comes with crisis force us to focus our efforts and resources on dealing with the issues at-hand. Understandably, making the best of “today” becomes the highest priority. When this is the mental space we occupy, it is easy to allow the vision we have for ourselves and our future to fade. I would encourage you to be the absolute best you can be for yourself today, but do not lose sight of the person you are becoming. Prayerfully, you will live and thrive in a life that extends well beyond full time work. Maintaining your standard-of-living once you enter retirement requires most people to begin storing up the riches necessary to fund this stage of life long before the time comes. How much wealth you need to accumulate for retirement is different for everyone, as it depends on several factors that come together that make your life and lifestyle uniquely yours. There are several industry “rules of thumb;” however, the most meaningful number is one that is derived from you gaining clarity around your goals and resources. Having said that, most of us can count on accumulating enough wealth to sustain us 20 to 30 years after full time work being the most significant financial goal we will ever undertake. According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, our country’s retirement savings crisis persists: • Nearly 45 percent of working-age households do not own any retirement account assets. ● • The average working household has virtually no retirement savings, with the median retirement account balance of $2,500 for all working-age households and $14,500 for near-retirement households. ●• Two-thirds of working households fall short of conservative retirement savings targets.
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Building wealth sufficient enough to maintain your desired lifestyle throughout retirement requires you to view your current career as working for two: who you are and who you are becoming. It requires the delicate balance of funding your current lifestyle and making provisions for your future. It requires having a plan and being intentional about implementing it. Here are some important points to remember: • Your biggest ally in achieving your retirement savings goal is often your employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Participate! According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, only 51 percent of working-age households participate in workforce retirement plans. Saving and investing on a consistent basis is one of the most powerful actions you can take toward building wealth.
PHOTO BY NAPPY.CO
By Leida Speller CFP, ChFC
• Have a budget that supports you in living below your means to ensure there are funds available for saving for the long-term. Keep track of your actual spending for comparison to planned spending and adjust accordingly. This will help you stay on track and keep current spending aligned with supporting long-term goals. Build a financial barrier that protects long-term savings activities and assets. Having an emergency reserve and insurance protections, like long-term disability coverage, give you a front-line defense that prevents long-term retirement assets from being used to cover emergencies and unexpected life events. Saving for retirement is an important goal. I encourage you to start with a plan, as it is typically a financial goal that competes with many others in our lives. With the right focus, determination, and guidance, you can build a beautiful life for both, who you are today and who you are becoming. u
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Leida Speller provides holistic financial planning services that help clients understand where they are currently, clarify goals and create a road map that guides them from where they are to where they want to be. Leida’s services also help clients achieve and maintain long-term financial wellbeing through her expertise in the following areas: • Risk management by building sufficient reserves and protection strategies. • Retirement planning and ensuring effective saving and investment strategies for long-term wealth accumulation. • Investment planning, implementing investment solutions that align with clients' objectives, risk tolerance and time horizon. • Tax planning, working collaboratively with clients and other professionals to ensure clients maximize opportunities to reduce tax exposure. • Estate planning, partnering with clients and legal professionals to ensure proper handling and distribution of assets in the face of unexpected life events or death. • Benefits planning, ensuring clients optimize employer-sponsored benefits as foundational to long-term financial success and assisting business owners in implementing their own benefits infrastructure.
Leida Speller CFP®, ChFC® Financial Planner
our community
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THE CHALLENGES OF BLACK IMMIGRATION
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F YOU’VE MOVED TO THE U.S. FOR WORK in HR from another country, my story is testament that taking a bold chance on your career can be worth it after all! After moving to Chicago from the United Kingdom in 2018, I was worried about the possibility of starting my HR career from the beginning. Even though my last role was as an Employee Relations Specialist for a large global retailer, I wondered if my experience and European certifications* would serve me in the United States. Deep down I worried that I would have a difficult time acclimating to the move. Despite my nationality being British, culturally, I was raised Jamaican, with my mother being first-generation Afro-Caribbean from descents who migrated from Jamaica to the U.K. as part of the Windrush generation. It was challenging to connect with fellow Black Chicagoans in the beginning and I felt like I did not belong here, and I did not fit in. Some people may not understand that Black people here in Chicago and back home are completely different, and at the time of my move, it was challenging to adapt to the American English language, foods, and other cultural nuances. Once I got my footing, I made some friends and ultimately, I have been able to live and work as my authentic self. At first, looking for work in Chicago was challenging. There were a few things that required me to adjust as I began my search. The laws in the U.S are different in every state, and while some of the employment laws are somewhat similar to the U.K., they are known by entirely different names. There were aspects of HR that were unfamiliar to me including workers comp, health insurance (as it’s free in the U.K.), and FMLA. In the U.K, background checks are typically only conducted for government-funded positions or roles where individuals work with vulnerable people. In the states, as a foreign national, with every job change I have to undergo a National and International background check. This can sometimes be problematic, as international checks can typically take up to 8 weeks to complete, therefore prolonging when notice can be given to a current employer. My first role was as an HR Generalist, and while it was my step in the door, I wasn’t satisfied until I could obtain
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a position that was as challenging as the position I held in the U.K. I eventually found Black In HR, and after working with their amazing career coaches, I now work as a Global HR Business Partner for a renowned sports company. I would like to share some tips on transitioning overseas as a Black professional. Although my experience is based on me moving from the U.K, this information applies to anyone in the world who is thinking of relocating to the USA: Make sure your immigration paperwork is intact, and plan for the costs of the transition, which will range from $3,000 - $5,000 to get started. This excludes moving costs and any need for legal representation. Begin to build your network with professionals in the city you’re moving to before your move. Online groups like Black In HR, can be a major asset when you want to hit the ground running. Find a credible person or company that offers resume and coaching services. Professional customs may be very different from what you are used to, and local coaches are in a better position to help you get accustomed to a new culture. Make sure you understand the difference in pay frequency. I was pleasantly surprised when I was paid biweekly instead of monthly like in the U.K. Lastly, be optimistic, learn as much as you can about the new culture, and enjoy the journey! Although my experience is based on me moving from the U.K, this information applies to anyone in the world who is thinking of relocating to the USA. Despite some of the challenges I mentioned earlier, such as paying for healthcare and the cost of living being higher, the United States has tons more opportunities, higher salaries and great foods to explore. If the USA is one of your options, I highly recommend taking a chance! u
PHOTO BY PEXELS
By Kershia Johnson, CIPD
*CIPD is equivalent to SHRM and is recognized in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Global American Organizations.
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INTRODUCING
COACHING ON THE FLY 30 MINUTE 1:1 COACHING
It's really easy to have one circumstance or bad experience spiral out in our mind and ruin the rest of our day, or sometimes even week! And, if we're trying to work through the issue in isolation, it becomes harder to step outside ourself, gain perspective, and find a solution. Rather, resentment is likely to build.
Coaching on the Fly helps you work through your obstacles as they come. Obstacles can be related to work or personal challenges: Overwhelm
Office Politics
Stress and Anxiety
Job Satisfaction
Time Management
Disappointment
Procrastination
Guilt
Low Motivation
Loneliness
Interpersonal Conflict
Any many other scenarios
In your session, you will be empowered to get clear on your desired outcome, separate what you can control to what you can't control, and identify a solution.
PACKAGE AND PAYMENT OPTIONS 4 PACK
6 PACK
10 PACK
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$690
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WIN AT THE MENTAL GAME AND LEVEL UP
MENTAL TOUGHNESS | EMOTIONAL STAMINA | RELENTLESS DETERMINATION
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a better you
HEALTH TRULY IS WEALTH
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IME, MONEY, AND HEALTH IS THE FOUNDATION of all happiness and success. Essentially all other things we pursue are dependent on having enough of each at varying degrees. Yet health is the only one that can help you manage the other two. Let’s explore some accepted mathematical references to help prove that statement. Time Equals Money That comparison does not literally mean that the amount of time you have equals the amount of money you have. We all have 24 hours in a day, but we certainly don’t all have the same amount of money available to us at the end of those 24 hours. Think about it, you work, you get paid. You don’t work, you don’t get paid. And if you invest your time right, you can invest it once and get paid over and over again. But you still have to invest some amount of time at least once, whether it’s a job, a business, or even playing the lottery. Wealth Equals Time Plus Money Someone can be rich or well off, but if they have no time available to enjoy it, never get to see their family, or have time to pursue their hobbies, they are not really considered wealthy. This isn’t about materialism, wealth is when you have both the money you need, and the time available to do what you want. So Where Does Health Come In? In order for health to equal wealth, we simply need to prove that it creates more time. Time that can be used to earn money, or invest in increasing our earning potential.
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Health Creates Time In Three Basic Ways Short-Term Time: This is what we would normally call energy. The energy to wake up, the energy to get moving, and the energy to keep going. We need a diet and exercise pattern that allows for energy efficiency at the cellular level, hormonal balance for mood and sleep, and a strong immune system to prevent acute illnesses. Mid-Term Time: An unhealthy lifestyle accumulates to create chronic conditions within the body that could have been reversed with early changes, or prevented all together. These conditions become a thief of our time in the form of treatment, and money spent on healthcare costs which we previously invested time to accumulate.
PHOTO BY JULIA LARSON FROM PEXELS
By Marcus Bailey
Long-Term Time: Simply put, we lose time when we lose life. An estimated 80% of cardiovascular disease, the number one killer, is preventable. We can add major time to our later years by the minor choices we make in the early ones.
Health Truly Is Wealth A healthy lifestyle means to truly maintain habits, practices, and routines that are based on physiological well-being and not emotional satisfaction. Don’t overlook your daily health habits because unlike money, where you see an immediate change in your bank balance, or time, where you are constantly aware of deadlines, health silently diminishes over time when it’s not wisely managed. And our bodies don’t allow for returns, refunds, or reschedules. u
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WHY STRESS IS MAKING YOU SICK AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
PHOTO BY DEPOSITPHOTOS.COM
a better you
By Dr. Mercedes Giles , MD
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MAGINE THAT YOU’VE BEEN DROPPED off in the middle of the Amazonian wilderness during one of your nightly dreams. You immediately see a boat along the river, but standing in your path is a huge anaconda. You turn to run away, and behind you is a jaguar poised to pounce on its soon to be prey. Just when you think you’re dinner, a friendly envoy rolls through in a Jeep and scoops you up. You breathe a sigh of relief to not be on tonight’s menu. But when you think you’re in the clear---you notice that you’re rapidly approaching a cliff up ahead! As you near what seems to surely be sudden death, the dream ends. Imagine how stressful that was! Your heart was pounding, your palms were sweaty, your mind was racing, and you probably even got the jitters or felt antsy. What you experienced was the appropriate physiological response to stress. It is commonly referred to as the “Fight or Flight Response.” The “Fight or Flight” response is mediated by the Sympathetic Nervous System and is necessary for survival in the event of immediate danger. Conversely, when the acute stress response is overstimulated, that may lead to complicated health problems. Let’s explore that in more detail. Activating the acute stress response signals for the brain to stimulate the adrenal glands, which then produce hormones called epinephrine and norepinephrine. They are more commonly referred to as Adrenaline and Noradrenaline. These hormones trigger a cascade mediated by the hormone Cortisol. Elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate ensue, which will help you prepare to sprint away from that jaguar and anaconda. Simultaneously, your palms become sweaty to keep you cool on your trek. Your blood sugar is increased to provide you with energy while your immune system is suppressed. Don’t forget about those jitters! They will be helpful for keeping you aware and ready to defend yourself. Although your life may feel like a jungle sometimes— thankfully, you don’t have jaguars, anacondas or even cliffs to think about. Unfortunately your physiology cannot differentiate between stress from immediate danger or work-related stress. So the same fight or flight response is activated whether you’re in midday traffic or you’ve been informed of a family
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emergency. Persistent activation of the acute stress response causes sustained elevation of cortisol levels. Over time, you can develop hypertension which is defined as chronic elevated blood pressure, type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance from maintaining elevated levels of blood sugar, panic attacks, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder. So with everything that’s going on today, how do you realistically gain control of your stress response and maintain your peace of mind? Well, I am glad you asked! Our physiology is not the only system that controls us. We are mind, body, and spirit. You can turn off the acute stress response when it is not needed by achieving balance between all three parts of yourself. Mind. In a moment when you feel stressed but not in immediate danger, you can tell your body that you are safe. Taking this simple step will turn off the acute stress response and keep you present in the moment. You can step away from the situation briefly and return once you have calmed yourself. You can also use a breathing exercise to feel the calm to be able to address the issue at hand. “47-8 Breathing” is a great inconspicuous way to breathe right where you sit or stand. Body. The body follows the mind. By keeping your mind grounded in the moment, your rapid heart rate will subside, your palms will dry, your blood sugar and blood pressure will return to baseline. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen will make it easier for your body to respond properly. Limiting refined carbohydrates, caffeine, and stimulants is key. Spirit. Your spirit is the essence, conscience, and guide that is keeping you centered and grounded. To cultivate your spirit requires quiet time for self-reflection and meditation. Regularly addressing your spiritual needs will give you the strength required to navigate the sometimes rough waters in life. The acute stress response is important to help you survive immediate danger. However, knowing when and how to turn off the acute stress response is important to avoid long term health problems. Consistently caring for your mind, body, and spirit will give you the ability to control your stress, avoid illness, and maintain peace of mind. u
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Reach out to a friend about their mental health. Find more ways to help at SeizeTheAwkward.org
the next big thing
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HUMAN RESOURCES ON DEMAND & ON YOUR SIDE By Whitney Herrington, MBA CEO & Founder of Kith Republic
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’VE BEEN IN HUMAN RESOURCES for over ten years and have counseled hundreds of employees over this time period. Whenever someone - family, friends, friends of friends, colleagues, etc. - hears about the work I do, they always ask for my advice in dealing with issues they’re facing at work. While I think the proximity to me is a big piece of it, I realized that their desire to talk to me about their issues was centered around trust — they knew I would give them real, in-depth and honest counsel in my independent capacity. I’ve always loved giving this type of advice and guidance to help someone out, and have been committed to helping as many people as I could. After a while, I asked myself, “What if everyone could have a ‘Whitney’?” That’s when Kith Republic was born! Personally bootstrapped thus far, my app, Kith Republic, is a mobile platform that connects professional women with human resources experts, on-demand and in real-time, to help them solve work-related issues with privacy and thoughtful care. For just $9 a session, Kith Republic offers women the HR support they deserve, guidance and advice from experienced HR coaches that are independent and on their side. Our HR coaches help with a wide range of issues, provide a safe space to chat about sensitive situations, privately and confidentially, and help navigate any challenges that women may face in their career. As many HR professionals can attest, a company’s HR department exists for the employer. Our primary mandate is to protect the company and minimize liability. Inherently, this conflict of interest creates a sense of distrust and fear among employees — especially women — and, for many HR
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professionals, presents an ethical and personal dilemma of when and how to truly support employees at work. Right now, Kith Republic is the only HR resource women have access to that doesn’t present this conflict of interest and is specifically designed to empower them to navigate their careers and thrive at work with honest, indepth, credible, and helpful coaching and advice. Already, we’ve received a ton of positive feedback on what we’re doing. Over the next few months, we’ll be expanding our offerings to meet our increasing demand, including voice and video chatting with HR pros, and building out a development program for our HR coaches that helps them to be more employee-centric while on the app and when they’re working for their employers. Not only is this my vision for Kith Republic, but also my overall vision for the world — transforming the way employers value and support their people. u About Whitney Herrington Whitney Herrington is the CEO and founder of the newly launched human resources app, Kith Republic. Based in Washington, D.C., Kith Republic is a mobile platform that connects professional women with human resources experts, on-demand and in real-time, to help them solve their work-related issues with privacy and thoughtful care. For only $9 a session, experienced HR coaches are available to help employees navigate their careers and thrive at work with the swipe of a finger.
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CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO
the next big thing
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THE CONFESS PROJECT By Lorenzo Lewis, MBA
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heConfess Project is America’s first mental health barbershop movement committed to building a culture of mental health for boys, men of color, and their families through capacity building, advocacy, organizing, and movement building. The Confess Project believes in a world without barriers to stigma and shame. Why barbershops? I created this movement in the barbershop because they are more than a place to go get a quick haircut or beard trim; they are sacred spaces. Barbershops have served as a safe space for men of color throughout history. Martin Luther King, Jr. came up with his best ideas in the sacred space of a barbershop. According to the CDC, suicide is the third lead causing death for Black men and boys under the age of 20. The reality is: when a man walks into the shop; he is carrying a heavy load. He is carrying trauma, anger, and pain from his past or even present circumstances. He is carrying the responsibility of being a father or significant other. There are a lot of things left unsaid that become revealed as he gets to know his barber. The Confess Project gives this space a purpose: one of healing and restoration. I know this because I have been that man. I was born into a life filled with trauma. I was born to an incarcerated mother. Growing up, I had a great relationship with my barber and my aunt even owned a salon. At 17, I faced incarceration, but the judge gave me a chance. It was not far after I knew things needed to change. From that point, I realized that the poor choices I made were from pain hiding beneath the surface. I made the choice to talk about it. I started mental health therapy and even found a mentor to look up to. I reached out for help. Imagine if every man of color made the choice to talk about what lies underneath the surface and pursue healing… the world would change. u
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cover story
OFF THE COURT:
Interview by Black In HR
ERIN DANGERFIELD E A CONVERSATION WITH A GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS EXECUTIVE,
rin Dangerfield is in her third season with the Golden State Warriors as Vice President, Human Resources. A native of Oakland, California and lifelong Warrior’s fan, Erin has a deeprooted passion for the Oakland community. Erin brings years of human resources experience to the role including a background in wholesale distribution, real estate, agriculture, non-profit and now sports and entertainment. Erin earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in business administration with an emphasis on economics from University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she ran track as a scholarship athlete. Prior to joining the Warriors, Erin worked at the contracting company ALCAL Industries, Inc., overseeing the human resources, information technology and business operations functions of the company. Erin has also worked for Bently Enterprises where she led the human resources, information technology, marketing, security and design teams across three business units, through an acquisition and period of rapid growth. Erin sits on the board of the East Oakland Youth Development Center, where she participated in the Center’s programs as a youth and first worked there as a Youth Leader in their Summer Cultural Enrichment Program. We sat down with Erin to learn about her time with the Warriors and her experience as a Black woman in professional sports.
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Erin, thank you for joining us today. Our readers are thrilled to learn about your background and how you achieved your current status. Can you share with us what accomplishments are you the proudest of in your career? hank you Black In HR for the opportunity to share my background with your readers. Being a part of the team that opened Chase Center has been the highlight of my professional career. I started with the Warriors in March 2019, and we opened Chase Center in September 2019 with a concert. Over my first six months, I built up our HR team, hiring generalists, labor specialists, and talent acquisition team members. Together, we hired, onboarded, and trained over 1,800 new part and full-time team members. It was the hardest thing I’ve done in my career, but I am so proud of what our team accomplished and how cohesive our group remained.
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How and when did you become interested in sports? What steps did you take, ensuring you landed your dream job? started running track in elementary school, and my dad coached basketball, so sports have always been a big part of my life. Still, I never imagined I’d end up having a career in sports, let alone with the Warriors, my hometown team. I’d worked with the Warriors’ Talent Acquisition Manager, Sergio Martinez, in a prior role, and he recruited me for the VP, HR role in 2016. I was a finalist but didn’t end up getting the job. In 2019, the position opened again, and he encouraged me to throw my hat into the ring. I prepared, and the second time I interviewed, unlike the first time, I walked in confidently believing I would get the job, and I did.
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cover story
What unique challenges have you faced being an executive woman of color, in a white and maledominated industry? Any tips and lessons learned you’d like to share? ’m lucky that we have a diverse executive team at the Warriors, so it’s nice having people who look like me in executive meetings. The industry, however, is white male-dominated. My advice would be to hold your space, be unapologetic in who you are, and not let others define you.
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Over the summer in 2020, we saw NBA players take stances decrying police brutality towards Black Americans. How did it make you feel to see the league support the players’ social engagement? ur market has been overwhelmingly supportive of the players’ and the NBA’s stance on racial and social justice, but the same is not true for every other team and market. It’s easy to do what’s right when what’s right is easy. The players have inspired me, and I’m so proud of our league for taking a stance despite push back and blowback.
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Following up on the current climate, how do you prioritize your mental health? In what ways have you communicated that focus as a priority for your organization and employees? am a big fan of meditation, and we offer all of our employees a subscription to a guided meditation app. Regular meditation has been a critical part of maintaining balance and mental health for me this year. At the Warriors, we focus on education, training, resources, engagement, and volunteerism in our mental health wellness strategy. We’re continually communicating opportunities and resources available to employees.
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How much more does the NBA need to do to move the needle and keep hiring women of color such as yourself to executive leadership positions? What is the NBA doing to provide access to opportunity for the next generation of leaders? ou’d be hard-pressed to find many people unwilling to acknowledge the need for more diversity in the sports industry. Each team operates as a separate employer apart from the NBA and each other. However, the league has been great about sharing resources and training with team personnel. We have access to tools to share diverse talent pipelines, and we frequently share best practices and resources on how to
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achieve more diversity and equity in hiring. Beyond just increasing diversity hiring, we’re all very focused on how to provide more opportunities through mentorship and sponsorship for women and people of color already working within our organizations. An example would be a recently launched league developmental program aimed at providing diverse talent with training, mentorship, and sponsorship opportunities in revenuegenerating roles. How has your league and organization continued to push forward gender and racial/ethnic diversity during your time with the Warriors, ensuring diversity of thought and perspective? he Warriors have always been committed to racial and social justice. Following the murder of George Floyd, however, we recognized that we needed to reinvigorate our efforts. Recently, we launched our four pillars: Heart, Tongue, Feet, Wallet, which are broad organizational initiatives focused on achieving racial justice within our organization, our community, and beyond. Most of the internal diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that the HR team is focused on fall under Heart, but we are fully aligned across the other three pillars in mutual support of our external and internal initiatives.
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Regardless of political affiliation, what did it mean to you to see Kamala Harris elected Vice President? What do you think her achievement means to women of color? ords cannot express how thrilled I am about Kamala Harris being Vice President. I grew up being told I could be anything I wanted to be but frequently didn’t see that reflected in reality. As a Black woman and parent of a Black boy, I am moved that my son is growing up to not only believe he can be anything but to also see he can be anything.
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If you could go back 5 years, what advice would you give yourself during that stage of your career? ive years ago, I made a few career decisions based on fear -- fear of being unemployed, being perceived as a job-hopper, taking a step back in my career, or choosing the wrong job/ employer and being unhappy. When I let go of fear, things started to come together for me. Operating out of fear is destructive to one’s overall wellbeing.
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Thank you for the conversation Black In HR. I am honored. u
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“You’d be hard-pressed to find many people unwilling to acknowledge the need for more diversity in the sports industry.”
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LOOSE ENDS
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AVE YOU EVER FELT COMPELLED TO WEAR A WEAVE, use a hot comb to press your hair, use chemical relaxers, shave your beard or cut your twists/locs to conform to European standards of straight hair and a so-called “clean” look? For years, Black hair has always been a topic of discussion. Oftentimes, I ask myself why? Why do we have to conform? Why are people uncomfortable? Why do people feel entitled to touch it? This is the hair we were born with, right? Black women and men have been subjected to implicit and explicit biases such as hair restrictions and discrimination. According to an article posted by Delaware online, a state worker stated that he felt pressured to cut locs in order to progress in his career. Some of us have been rejected from jobs, not offered promotions, and denied opportunities simply due to the style and texture of our natural hair. According to the “Good Hair” Study: • Black women experience higher rates of anxiety related to haircare. • Black women spend more money on their hair than white women. • Black women spend more time on their hair than white women. • 1 in 5 Black women feel obligated to straighten their hair for work. Preparing for job interviews can be a stressful process. Adding on the additional stress of how to style your natural tresses is the last
By Eustacia A. Campbell, , MBA, CCWP
thing one should have to worry about. But we do and we push through. For countless years, I wouldn’t allow myself to wear braids to a job interview for fear that I would not get hired for the job I knew I was qualified (sometimes overqualified) to do. Then when I got the job, I would keep my hair straight for all executive meetings or anytime I had to present in front of an audience. Whether your hair is silky straight, kinky, curly, afro puff, twists, braids, locs it shouldn’t matter. As long as you are qualified and have the credentials to do the job you are hired to do, your hair should not be a concern, right? In an attempt to end hair discrimination, Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act was created in 2019. The goal is to ensure protection against race-based hair discrimination. The CROWN Act is law in eight states: California, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado, Washington, Maryland, and Connecticut. When I first heard of the CROWN Act, I’ll be honest, I thought it was ridiculous. My first thought was, why do we need a law to allow the freedom to wear our hair the way we want? But it’s necessary and needed to combat hair discrimination. We have a long way to go but the CROWN Act is a step in the right direction. Our hair should never be the cause of embarrassment or anxiety. We should be proud of our hair because it is powerful; we are powerful. As many organizations are now trying to address systemic racism in the workplace, now is the time to tighten up. Embrace your natural hair, boldly and proudly! u
PHOTO BY SAMSON KATT FROM PEXELS
culture & style
McGill A, Godsil RD, MacFarlane J, et al. Perception Institute. The “Good Hair” Study: Explicit and Implicit Attitudes Toward Black Women’s Hair. February 2017.
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culture & style
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THE HR TWINS By Carla Patton, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, C(k)PF and Camille Tate, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP CARLA’S STORY: Nineteen years ago, you could find me working in a luxury shoe department store at an upscale mall. It was after college graduation and the job market was at a standstill, post 9/11. I committed to being the very best at selling shoes since I had to have a job. One day, a customer I always assisted when she came in to buy shoes asked me, “Have you ever thought about getting into Human Resources?” I laughed and said, “No I’ve never really thought about it, I’m not sure what a Human Resources department does.” She said, “You would be great at it. You have such a pleasant attitude and great customer service skills. If you are interested, I’m the VP of HR and we have a position open. If you bring your customer service skills, I will teach you the rest.” This story is a classic case of personal branding and what kindness and consistency will introduce to your life. CAMILLE’S STORY: Nineteen years ago, I was a wandering new graduate with no direction, due to a volatile economy. This left me working in a popular department store selling women’s clothes. The next three years while working in various roles (including selling diabetic testing supplies), someone asked me if I’d ever thought about recruiting, because of my bubbly personality. Of course, I had no clue, but took a chance and interviewed with a global staffing firm and there began my career in recruiting. Over the course of my career, I have worked for amazing brands and blazed a track record of success. Networking has been instrumental in maintaining a longstanding career in recruiting and when you work hard at whatever you do, sometimes the network will organically come to you. THE CAREER SALON: Our unlikely paths to HR combined with our time growing up in Detroit, Michigan led us to expressing our passion for helping people in a different way. Our dad was a part-time barber growing up. People young and old came into the barbershop for haircuts and wisdom. It was a melting pot of topics where you could even take a chance on dominoes or checkers. In the barbershop, there were seasoned people giving soapbox (sometimes hilarious) speeches, sports rhetoric, and advice from life experiences. We also went to the hair salon with our mom to get the proverbial “tea” on
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celebrity or neighborhood news, and fashion trends. We decided to create a virtual space similar to the barbershop and salons we grew up in. The place where there is NO filter, and we go behind the scenes of the recruiting and human resources functions for the benefit of our audience. Together we are known as The HR Twins, owners of The Career Salon, LLC with a combined 32+ plus years of HR experience. From that experience we developed, The Career Salon Podcast w/ The HR Twins, a weekly podcast covering issues related to career mobility, diversity, and inclusion, human capital, and leadership. Join us! u
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HOSTED BY
THE HR TWINS
Camille & Carla
The Career Salon is a place where no topic is off limits and we share all the tea on HR, Careers, and Job Searching. With over 32 years of combined experience in Human Resources and Recruiting, we want to share knowledge and experiences that enlightens our audience to maximize their potential. It is our goal to entertain and educate with interesting topics and guests, with a modern twist. There’s something for everyone! Most recent topics include: • • • •
Emotional Intelligence Perfectionism Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Common Tax Issues for Professionals
• Processing Trauma in the Midst of Your Career • HR Certifications • Pivoting in Your Career
www.thecareersalon.com/category/podcasts/
Available on all major podcast platforms and at The Career Salon
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professional development
A SMALL RABBIT ON THE RUNWAY CAN PREVENT TAKEOFF
By Joanne Courtney, MHR
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AST MONTH I SET OFF TO EXPLORE KENYA to celebrate a significant birthday. And while I have many life lessons that I learned during my two and a half weeks there, one of the best ones that I learned was actually on my way back home. It was 11pm and I had just settled into my seat on the plane and buckled my seatbelt. I was hoping for a quick take off and the coma-filled sleep I would usually experience as soon as the wheels went up. Instead, as we headed to the runway, our big A600 plane suddenly came to a stop. The pilot announced, to my surprise, that there was a rabbit on the runway and we needed to wait until the ground crew could chase it away. So that got me thinking; how could a big, 200-passenger, 330,000-pound airplane be scared of a little rabbit that it couldn’t even see? It made me realize how often we are afraid to make a
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move because of our fears and concerns. We often defer and never realize our dreams because of the fear of the unknown. We play it safe. We don’t try to buy our dream home. We don’t try to invest in the stock market. We don’t apply for our dream job. We don’t start that business. We let our minds tell us that we can’t afford it, we don’t know how or that we aren’t qualified. We say we’ll get to that goal later, only to find that later may never come. So, don’t let something as small as a thought in your mind prevent you from reaching out for your goals. Don’t let that rabbit prevent you from taking off. Get yourself a ground crew who will chase the rabbit away. Have people in your life who will remind you of all of the things you have already accomplished. Get in the habit of reminding yourself of all the times that you can jet down the runway and soar into the sky of unlimited possibilities. Little rabbit, be warned! u
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professional development
A MASTERCLASS IN SELF DEVELOPMENT By Kimberly N. Hartman, MBA, SHRM-SCP
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ELF-DEVELOPMENT. TWO WORDS I live by and have dedicated my life to. Growing up, my parents created an atmosphere of learning by being examples of what being a life-long learner could do for your quality of life. As the daughter of military and preacher parents, I did not have the choice to rest on my laurels. My mother went to college and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree, all while raising me and my sister. As a former HR professional herself, my mother’s passion was training and development and she transitioned that passion into teaching high school students at the age of 45. My father is a military veteran who went back to school at the age of 42 and earned his bachelor’s degree to work with autistic young adults and teach them vital life skills in preparation for life on their own. So you see, learning is not just a word, it’s a lifestyle for me. I have a passion for learning and I love to share that passion with others by assisting and motivating them to obtain the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform at a high level. Self-development is essential and is a priority to those who are on the journey to total well-being. As you live this life, you will face a variety of personal
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and professional circumstances that require you to adapt. Being aware of who you truly are and the gifts and talents you possess can position you to truly live your best life and live out your purpose. Being selfaware also boosts your confidence and helps you reach your personal and professional goals. Black in HR is uniquely positioned to help you along your self-development journey. The Masterclass offers real world knowledge and skills that will allow you to make a difference, and it was created by us and for us. Black In HR has a vested interest in seeing our Black HR professionals thrive and succeed in every facet of life. Why not invest your time and money in an organization who has your best interests at heart? Course offerings such as Workplace Investigations, Public Speaking, Performance Management, The Art of Public Speaking and SHRM Certification courses will enhance your strengths and help you overcome professional weaknesses. Your comfort zone can be a dangerous place to reside. I personally invite you to step out! For where there is stagnancy, growth cannot occur. Black in HR will be with you every step of the way along your self-development journey. We will continue to offer new and exciting material to push you to your highest peak of success. u
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Master Classes You’ve learned the theoretical knowledge, now we will teach you the practical information you need to grow in your HR career. Our Master Classes are led by world-class industry experts who will teach you what they offer to Fortune 100 companies like Google, Nike, Facebook, Deloitte and Zoom. • Workplace Investigations • The Art of Public Speaking • Performance Management 101
• SHRM Certification Courses • Advanced HR Analytics
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