Three Things to Know About What's Driving Change to Accessibility in Arizona

This episode's theme: committing to real change requires leaders of industry to align their efforts.

Real change only happens when leaders from all sides come together. In episode 38 of the Community Collaborative, we discuss the importance of working together in the effort to establish more inclusive communities.

A handful of Arizona organizations like Valley of the Sun United Way, the Arizona Coyotes, the Black Chamber of Arizona and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have formed a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) cabinet. This group meets to have conversations about how they can align their efforts to inflict fundamental change in communities.

Here are three things you need to know from the episode.

Black History Month

"People are starting to conflate critical race theory with Black History Month," says Robin Reed, CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. Reed wants to remind organizations that success happens in all communities year-round and that businesses that embrace what our diverse future will look like will benefit the most.

Thinking of Corporations as a Platform for Community Impact

"One of the visions that we had is that we wanted to be seen as a platform for really making an impact helping our partners whether it be our corporate partners, our fans, our community partners really make that leadership change happen. We see ourselves as conveners, we bring people together. We align, support and amplify the efforts of really making change," says Xavier Gutierrez, President & CEO, Arizona Coyotes.

"Not only are thriving communities and equitable economies good for business, but also beyond that, how does it align? Are you interested in having a skilled workforce? So would we really want to lean into education or workforce development? Or, are you (focused on) property development and real estate? So, you want to talk about solutions to homelessness and housing? They're successful when the commitment comes from the top and then they bring in thought leadership from teams all throughout their company," explains Laura Kaiser Chief Corporate Relations & Brand Officer, Valley Of The Sun United Way.

Adding "Access" to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Latasha Causey, Vice President of Human Resources at Bell Bank adds an 'A' for 'access' to the DEI acronym. She believes that, when hiring, many of the "underdogs" don't lack the desired skills and attitudes of their competition, they simply lack the access that others have had.

Watch episode 38 of the Community Collaborative here.