Last month I was interviewed for a Bright Future podcast episode (Episode 37), moderated by Michael Bassett, Director, Research Impact, at the Conference Board of Canada (CBoC). Drawing upon my experience as a Chief Diversity Officer in Canada and the United States, I shared my perspective on a number of topics related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) roles and … [Read more...]
Build It and They Will Come? Exploring the Importance of Equity over Equality for Black Employees
The popular saying: “If you build it, they will come” was first introduced in the 1989 baseball movie Field of Dreams. In searching the origin of this quote, all while thinking about equity work; it was a brilliant accident that I was also drawn to the baseball picture shown here (adapted from The Interaction Institute for Social Change by artist Angus Maguire). I have … [Read more...]
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): Denise O’Neil Green Consulting is Now Open for Business!
As you may already know, I concluded my tenure at Ryerson University (renamed Toronto Metropolitan University - TMU) last year to explore other opportunities, place a greater focus on my health, and spend more time with my family. I’m very proud of what I accomplished at TMU; however, my next act has enabled me to share my “secret sauce” with other leaders and organizations … [Read more...]
Race Conscious Affirmative Action: Time Is Up
I have researched race-conscious policies in higher education for many years as it was central to my dissertation research 20 years ago. Learning of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS)’s decision to strike down the use of race as a factor in admissions is no surprise. From the Clinton Administration to President Biden, this has been a long game. In 2003, Justice … [Read more...]
Bronzeville: The “Black Metropolis” and Harlem of Chicago
During the pandemic and lockdowns, I rediscovered Chicago and where I’m from. In Canada, people always ask you: “Where are you from?”. I would be a little salty because I felt I didn’t have a good answer. Of course, I would say: “I’m from the United States”, and most times “Chicago”, without having much knowledge of its Black history. However, when I had time on my hands … [Read more...]