Navigating Diversity in the Workplace: Tips from Local DEI Professionals

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professionals from across the Lehigh Valley shared their expertise with students during the Career Development Center’s “Empowering Connections: Navigating Diversity in the Workplace” virtual event. 

Panelists included Scott Blair, DeSales’ associate vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Kristin Leayman ’13, diversity and inclusion manager at Olympus Corporation of America; Kristine Maciolek Small, director of inclusion and talent management at PPL; and Natasha Ljuljic, human resource specialist of talent and diversity at Air Products. 

The panelists discussed their roles, how they came to their current positions, and how they spend every day advocating for people of varying backgrounds. They encourage employees to embrace their individuality, and they emphasized that it is crucial for companies to create a work environment in which employees can celebrate what makes them unique. 

Students in attendance learned to pursue careers that embrace difference, allow them to be their whole selves, challenge adversity in the workplace, and remain current with societal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion challenges.