“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
The above thought has been heard in conversations, college guest lectures, and even in political speeches. But why has this saying by Gandhi inspired the world? Well, the answer to this might be the essence it projects to take control of our actions and plant the seeds of change starting from ourselves.
This was something that we were looking for in women leaders we went out on the search for this edition. After scanning the internet, excel sheets, and numbers inside out, we found that the business landscape is still lacking the quality of lifestyles we live.
And we came across one such leader in CDW, who has been a woman with digital, passion and a mission to change the world. However, the most interesting thing about her is her dedication to start the change from within.
On this note, let’s deep dive into the inspiring story of Dr. Tamara Fletcher, Director, Global DEI Advancement.
A Challenging New-Age Role
Talking about her unique role as Director of Global DEI Advancement, Tamara says, ‘I am responsible for the development and execution of our broader DEI Strategy. Our strategy encompasses three major factors. The first is taking care to create an inclusive culture. The second is to attract and empower diverse talent while strategizing to create a more equitable and inclusive experience for coworkers across the span of the talent life cycle. Lastly, we work to embed DEI into our business model. Additionally, I also have the privilege of working side by side with our functional leaders, as a consultant and Business Partner on all things DEI for their organizations, I also have oversight of our regulatory and compliance strategy and am responsible for our Global DEI strategy as well.’
An Unique Visionary Journey
Tamara explains that her journey into DEI started with her participation in the Business Resource Groups (BRGs). Further elaborating on her journey, she says, ‘I wanted to find a path towards authenticity as a Black Lesbian. The BRGs became my safe haven to be proud of who I am, recognize my unique value, and help create a culture where others can do the same. When a position opened up in DEI, I was seen for my work with the BRGs and selected to join the DEI team. I always joke by saying that my background was in chemistry. DEI fell into my lap, but when that happened, my purpose in life and career fell into my lap as well.’
A Born Leader
Over the years, Tamara has achieved several milestones in her career. However, revisiting the milestone that changed her journey she explains, ‘I am truly a believer that everything happens for a reason. As a proud and unapologetic Black Lesbian, I can champion authenticity in the workplace…today, but that was not always the case. I actually am a product of quite a bit of trauma as it relates to who I am, and as a result, I have been judged, ostracized, and made to feel less than. These experiences in my quest for authenticity have really fueled my desire to have a foundation of openness and support in every interaction with people. Being engaging and welcoming has not only helped people in the workplace feel more valued and appreciated, but it has also become a part of my brand. That brand has given me credibility as a DEI leader to not only talk to of DEI but to live in every interaction no matter how big or small.’
A Flagbearer of Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Tamara’s career has all been about diversity and empowering others by making sure they become a part of the process in the modern-day business landscape. As a DEI leader explaining her strategic approach Tamara says, ‘Our strategy is about cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to drive better collaboration, innovation, and business results. We’re taking steps to nurture belonging in ways that are meaningful and sustainable. As a part of our commitment to DEI, we are focused on creating spaces where coworkers can share what they’re feeling and needing. As coworkers share their stories, it allows us all to see CDW through different lenses – which create cultural humility, empathy, and authentic relationships across the organization.’
‘We also continue to implement training programs to support our coworkers along their DEI journeys and promote our Business Resource Groups (BRGs), which are open to all coworkers to participate in. I can’t say enough how instrumental our BRGs have been in enhancing belonging at CDW. Within our BRGs, coworkers gain a network, exposure, and community, which all contribute to generating a diverse talent pipeline for CDW. As a result of our efforts, we have seen continued growth in BRG membership and increased active engagement in our DEI programming and initiatives. These impacts not only benefit CDW but have made the impossible seem possible for coworkers and what they envision for their future and their success,’ she adds.
Revisiting her innovative approach to execution to promote diversity and inclusion at the workplace, she further adds, ‘The last few years have been met with quite a bit of social unrest and divergence. CDW’s proactive response to these sorts of events catapulted our coworkers into action. We started by providing our coworkers with contextual knowledge and understanding. In addition to global town halls, we created an enterprise-wide DEI education and awareness platform that provides training and tools on how individual coworkers can foster inclusion at CDW. We also provide our coworkers with a framework to enable action through a quarterly campaign we call Educate/Participate/Advocate. We give tools and resources to jump-start our coworkers into how to educate themselves, get involved, and become an active ally for others. Additionally, our Business Resource Groups continue to support our coworkers, give them a voice and are a key opportunity to get involved. Lastly, we empowered functions to cascade our DEI Efforts. As a result, we have had several functional DEI coalitions emerge to bolster action throughout the organization.’
Don’t be the Problem, be the Solutions!
During the interview, Tamara shared many experiences explaining how she tries to be the solution. Sharing her approach to solving problems at workplaces, she explains, ‘I would never want to oversimplify the strategy, but in essence, it is about staying the course and meeting people where they are. Staying the course does not mean that we shouldn’t be agile, in fact, it is necessary, especially if we need to meet people where they are on the journey. What it does mean is that we have a mission at CDW to cultivate a culture of Belonging and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to drive better collaboration, innovation, and business results. Our purpose is clear, our strategy must pivot as needed to ensure we can bring others along with us, no matter the point they are on within that journey.’
A Change Bringer’s Advice
Advising the young leaders entering the business landscape, Tamara shares a piece of advice saying, ‘The distinction between a sprint and a marathon is paramount in DEI work – especially because there is rarely immediate gratification. In fact, I work under the expectation as a DEI leader, that I am likely planting seeds from which I may not see the manifestation – but that will never stop me from staying the course. Organizations or DEI leaders that are looking for the quick fix or the easy wins are not likely to yield sustainable impact. Those that are prepared to persevere through change, opposition, and obstacles and strategize based on facts and data, on the other hand, are positioning themselves to make a difference for years and years to come.’
Roadmap for the Future
Envisioning the future for the role of women in the modern-day business landscape, Tamara shares, ‘My vision for the role of women leaders is quite simply to manifest the art of the possible. What I mean by that is, it is impossible to look at my life and my career and not recognize how blessed I am. I have had such a strong support system; I’ve had several mentors, and sponsors and friends to cheer me on. Of course, that does not mean that I have not faced adversity… trust me I have had my fair share of it – especially as a woman of color.’
‘Despite the odds and the challenges, it is because of the next generation that I persevere. There have been very few Black women for me to look up to, which sometimes made it hard for me to think I could reach certain milestones in my career. But for each milestone I reach, that milestone becomes tangible for a younger Black woman to also reach. I am motivated to continue to be an example of what it means to shatter glass ceilings and conquer insurmountable goals, so that the next generation will find it all attainable.’
‘It is my hope and vision that leaders from any population of historically underrepresented talent recognize the responsibility they have to carry as they climb and be the proof that if someone can see it, they can be it,’ she concludes.
She remembered who she was, and the game changed.
Website: www.cdw.com
