Diversity, equity, inclusion initiatives no longer optional – eyes are on Erie – GoErie.com

Trent Hargrove| Your Turn

Working in several different roles directly responsible for or impacting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at the community and organizational levels as the Chief Counsel at the Department of General Services, a Pennsylvania Chief Deputy Attorney, the first Chief Diversity Officer of the commonwealth, and now the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the Pennsylvania Bar Association I have seen DEI practices in development and in application. Regardless of each role, the one apparent commonality that ties my experiences together is that time and time again I witness how DEI programs and initiatives have the power to drive communities forward or when ignored, how it will pull them down.

In 2017, Erie was named the worst place to live for Black Americans, and while it has made progress, still today that defining distinction remains in its Google search. The pandemic laid bare the disparities facing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) living in Erie and the Erie County Council made the right move and formed the Erie County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission.

The commission, now called Diverse Erie, is actively developing initiatives and programs that apply equity and inclusion measures to attract a more diverse population. Erie has something to be proud of. Pennsylvania's oft overlooked rural, urban, suburban community on the Lake Erie took an issue that plagued the county and invested in a solution and that should be applauded. But now is not the time to cower away. Diverse Erie must continue to be a top priority for the sake of the residents, businesses, and health of the whole county.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are often discussed as social issues or as buzzwords you hear in the workplace, but the power of these practices goes far beyond the workplace. Cities, counties, and businesses that apply equity across every aspect of their communities lead to inclusive environments a welcome and common thread that can hold up a county when businesses are looking for a place to grow or locate their employees. From a social and community tool to business growth and economic development, DEI plays a big role, and when properly nourished, it will help a community flourish. Just as enriching as this approach can become, an anti-DEI approach can put a community in a decidedly negative light, discouraging site selectors and thriving entrepreneurs from investing in the community.

DEI creates an environment that is engaging and welcoming for all working to lift people up, foster inclusivity, and make a vibrant, lively culture that helps to retain and attract residents and draw in new businesses. When I hear today that places continue to struggle to bring in people and business, I wonder what the community's climate is like. Are there any DEI investments happening? What story does the city or county tell from the outside looking in? The broader the business and community culture is, the more residents can thrive, and business can be facilitated. DEI initiatives cannot be marginalized it's a community and business imperative that everyone engages in the process. If leaders are trying to establish Erie as the place business gets done on the up-and-coming list then these are the key practices that will continue moving the county in a positive direction, and they cannot be neglected.

Diverse Erie has the key to open the door for Erie to be the hub for economic development. DEI is as important to the local economy as it is to the broader corporate and business world, as evidenced by the DEI initiatives being touted by Erie's largest employers, including Erie Insurance.

Erie Insurance along with most of its Fortune 500 peers touts its commitment through the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge and appointment of an employee to the CEO Action for Racial Equity Fellowship Program, which works to address systemic racism and social injustice through public policy. When the richest companies in the world invest in DEI, it is usually a sign this is a mandatory investment.

Forming the commission Diverse Erie was a bold step that moved the needle forward. But realistically, Erie isn't as far ahead as many might think. Having a DEI commission puts Erie in line with similar initiatives in other cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, which have been doing this work for years. Erie is now catching up and to keep up and not fall behind again, Diverse Erie cannot be lost. Erie cannot abandon this critical effort.

The first year of the commission being formed is as important as ever to use these funds wisely and leverage them. Having an intentional approach will work to make sure the greatest number of people will benefit ultimately, helping the whole community. For Erie to continue to progress and build a strong future, DEI is essential, required, and should be embraced as a key economic development tool to help continue to lift one of Pennsylvania's communities on the rise.

Trent Hargrove, Esq., is the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

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Diversity, equity, inclusion initiatives no longer optional - eyes are on Erie - GoErie.com