Paying It Forward: A Giving Tuesday Special Edition on HR and Diversity
Anthony P. Howard
????Executive HR Consultant & Facilitator | IDI Qualified Administrator, PMSCP?, SPHR, LDSS, SHRM-SCP | Board Member | BASA Award Winner ?? in Education ??and Best DEI Initiative ?? | Keynote Speaker ??
As we embrace the spirit of Giving Tuesday, I am thrilled to share my journey that lead me to a career in Human Resources. I didn't know it at the time but it was due to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
?? In 1998, The Odds Were Not In My Favor ??
?? I lost passion to become an elementary education teacher ??????
?? I dropped out of college ?? because of it
?? I could not find a job in the City of Chicago????♂?
?? I had ZERO network, no RESUME, no MONEY ????♂?
????The Turning Point: From My Struggle to Success ????
????????I was referred to a non-profit organization similar to Year Up called Jobs For Youth. They are no longer open, but thanks to their job placement program and their Corporate Partners I was benefited with:
?? Job Skills Training ??
?? My first (non-church ??) suit to be interview ready ??????
?? Landing my first ?? Corporate full-time job as a ???File Clerk with a major accounting firm (They did Oprah Winfrey taxes ??!)
???? Little did I know then that this would mark the beginning of a historic career in HR starting with a role as an Employee Benefits Counselor with Aon by the year 2000. ??
A Journey Unfolds: Navigating the Corporate Landscape
?? My career evolved, marked by milestones and achievements that shaped my identity in the HR landscape. The journey wasn't without its challenges, but each hurdle became an opportunity for growth and learning.
DEI Challenges in Today's Landscape
Sadly, a recent report released by Paradigm sheds light on the challenges faced by DEI efforts today. The Supreme Court of the United States rulings and political rhetoric have cast a shadow on the progress we've made, impacting opportunities for individuals like me who were given a chance through strategic corporate partnerships.
Giving Back on Giving Tuesday ??????
This Giving Tuesday, I urge you to support organizations like Year Up United , OneTen , Boss Kidz Inc. , Passion for Life, Inc. and The Aiken Foundation . These organizations, along with their corporate partners, played a pivotal role in elevating me from being an "at-risk" youth to the HR executive I am today.
HR Certified: Empowering Diverse Talent
?? Explore opportunities to support diverse talent in HR growth through our ?? HR Certified Store! A portion of proceeds goes to the HR Certified Scholarship fund, providing recipients with coaching, networking opportunities, and community support in earning the HRCI Associate Professional In Human Resources (aPHR) designation.
??A special ???? thank you to Wanido and Calli Adamson Bakken, SHRM-SCP for making this campaign a success for us. Click HERE to learn more about Wanido ("wanna-do").??
??Check out the story of Ashley Hickman, aPHR , our first scholarship recipient supported by The Aiken Foundation ! ???? Click HERE to view.
?? Hire Me as Your Next Keynote Speaker
I am ready to share my story! Consider hiring me as a keynote speaker for your next event, conference, commencement ceremony, or to conduct a job readiness program at your organization. Just directly message me to schedule a discovery call!
???? Thank you for joining me on this empowering journey of resilience, transformation, and the profound impact of HR and DEI efforts. Together, let's continue to build a future where opportunities abound for everyone.
As I reflect on the impact that Jobs For Youth had on me, I wish you a meaningful Giving Tuesday!
If you or someone you know is looking to enter and grow in Human Resources, enroll in our next HR Certified - ?? Best In America Small Business Award Winner Masterclass by keeping in touch with us by clicking HERE!
We love this! Thank you for your support Anthony P. Howard
Thank you so much for your support!