SPOTLIGHT ON: Shalynne Jackson

Meet Oklahoma City's First Chief Officer of Diversity & Inclusion

Almost exactly a year ago, The City of Oklahoma City hired its first Diversity & Inclusion officer. This position was formed to “lead the execution of the city’s strategy for diversity, equity and inclusion, including providing training, implementing best practices, and providing coaching, guidance and education” for internal employees of the city to investigate the organization as a whole and take an honest look at where certain internal city employees might be at a disadvantage.

Enter: Shalynne Jackson.

Originally from Tulsa and graduate of the University of Oklahoma with her master’s degree in Human Relations (and a bachelor’s in Human Relations and Criminology), Jackson comes to OKC from the corporate world where she served as a consultant supporting strategic initiatives for multiple Fortune 500 companies, the VP of Diversity for the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA), and was recognized for Oklahoma's inaugural OKHR Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion award in 2020.

In her new role in Oklahoma City, she works with all departments within the municipal government and especially with human resources to create an environment that promotes authenticity where employees can bring their whole selves to work without fear of prejudice or discrimination. In a recent conversation with Candor PR, Jackson describes herself:

"I grew up in Tulsa and was raised by a single mother and my maternal grandparents. My father was incarcerated most of my life. I’m a first generation college graduate, and I was diagnosed with Alopecia at age 6. Additionally, I am a wife, mother and a woman of faith. I name all of these aspects of my diversity dimensions because they’re important to why I do this work. I know what it’s like to cover and assimilate. I also know what it feels like to overcome obstacles and achieve what society told you was impossible. I do this work because I want everyone to have equitable opportunity to attain success while remaining true to their diversity dimensions. This work is not only my passion but my purpose."

Jackson says

“I like to say diversity is the noun and inclusion is the verb. Even if you hire a bunch of black and brown people and people of different sexual orientations, that doesn’t mean an inclusive culture will just happen. Inclusion is the actions and behaviors which express a company wants to create a culture where employees truly feel comfortable. They can grow in the organization and see themselves at the top, if that’s where they want to be. They don’t just have a seat at the table — they have a voice at the table.” It is this type of engagement she is implementing both at and in the City of OKC. "I look forward to being truly accessible to our community and inviting people to share their ideas. I want our city to be a welcoming place where all individuals feel they belong and can live, work, play, and be happy."

Chief Officer Jackson