Are your DEI initiatives helping to advance careers?

In this important episode of "Hire Quality," host Devyn Mikell speaks with Tyra Duren, the dynamic Director of Talent Development at Lawrence Group about the unique challenges women and people of color face in the pursuit of senior-level positions. Luckily, Tyra has plenty of practical advice on navigating the often tricky landscape of promoting DEI, even within traditionally conservative sectors. 

Tyra’s inspiring story and expert advice make this episode a must-listen for recruiting and talent acquisition leaders looking to foster a more inclusive workplace. Tune in, and discover the strategies to champion diversity and equity in your organization. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Spotlighting Diversity in Hiring: Tyra shares a powerful anecdote about a qualified black candidate who secured a job within three days at her company after being overlooked for years elsewhere, underscoring the value of looking beyond traditional candidate pools to find hidden gems that bring fresh perspectives and experiences.

• Navigating DEI in Conservative Spaces: Tyra's experience in promoting DEI within the more conservative world of baseball offers crucial lessons. The main takeaway? Persistence and strategic advocacy can pave the way for substantial cultural shifts, even in traditionally non-diverse industries.



• Learning the Language of Executives: One of Tyra’s key messages is the importance of speaking the language of both employees and executives to drive effective change. This linguistic dexterity helps in not only advocating for better benefits and policies but in ensuring that the executive team buys into the importance of DEI. 



Jump into the conversation:

04:51 Advocating for people's rights in corporate America.

13:12 How to achieve DEI success in the architecture and construction industries. 

23:28 Reasons why a diverse workforce is crucial.

28:16 Start low, learn, then move up wisely.