Jackye Clayton is this week’s Voice of Diversity. Her expertise spans several areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a particular emphasis on Cultural Competence, DEI Basics and Principles, and Inclusive Leadership.

Spotlight on an Influencer: Jackye Clayton’s Journey in DEI

Jackye Clayton is recognized as a dynamic and inspirational speaker in the realm of DEI, blending her extensive experience in recruitment with a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion. She currently serves as the VP of Talent Acquisition and DEI at Textio, where she plays a crucial role in both internal and external DEI initiatives. Her career includes notable positions across various industries such as technology, HR, legal, finance, and operations, includer her role as a DEI Strategist at SeekOut and an editor at RecruitingDaily.

The Breadth of Expertise: Unpacking Clayton’s DEI Impact

Jackye’s impact in the DEI space is multifaceted, encompassing leadership roles in talent acquisition and strategy, as well as contributions to the discourse through various media outlets. Her approach to DEI is direct, authentic and holistic, addressing both the strategic and cultural aspects of inclusion in the workplace.

Jackye Clayton’s Work in DEI

Jackye Clayton’s contributions to the DEI space are extensive and varied. In addition to her various articles and presentations, she is the co-host of the “Inclusive AF” podcast, a platform where she explores various DEIB topics in depth, offering insights and fostering discussions around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She also hosts a weekly LinkedIn Live session titled “But First, Coffee,” where she delves into human resources and DEI-related themes. Furthermore, Jackye’s significant role in the development of the 2023 Textio DEIB Report highlights her commitment to advancing DEI in the workplace through data-driven insights and analysis.

Furthermore, Jackye’s has been recognized as one of the “9 Powerful Women in Business You Should Know” by SDHR Consulting and one of the “15 Women in HR Tech to Follow” by VidCruiter and as the Communitarian of the Year, awarded by the Central Texas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals

Key Insights: Clayton’s Core Principles in Diversiology

1. The importance of consistent messaging in learning and development tools to maintain an inclusive culture, especially in remote work environments.
2. The need for specificity in skill requirements, aligning them not just with job roles but also with broader business goals.
3. The significance of going beyond the obvious in diversity recruitment, focusing on diversity of thought.
4. Understanding and leveraging technology for better business relationships and DEI strategies.

Provoking Thought: Jackye Clayton Quotes that Challenging Your Perspectives

1. “We know that one of the biggest mistakes organizations can make when trying to implement a DEIB strategy is to solely focus on adding people from diverse communities—with little regard to developing an intentional approach for creating an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters a sense of belonging for all employees.”
2. And while this work has always been challenging, I never, in a million years, thought there would be a time when people threatened to sue organizations for making themselves fair and inclusive, especially after all the hard work and advocacy that has gone into establishing these roles since 2020.
3. It is tough to get excited about this work when organizations remove any trace of their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. I feel like these organizations are also trying to erase me as a person
4. Systemic DEIB efforts are the backbone of actual organizational change.
5. It is crucial to be aware of the diverse experiences that people go through to develop inclusive practices.

The Clayton Difference: A Unique Approach to DEI

Jackye Clayton’s approach to DEI stands out due to her practical application of DEI principles in various mediums – be it through her leadership roles, her engaging podcasts, or insightful live sessions. Her ability to weave data-driven strategies with real-world applications in her DEIB report further underscores her unique contribution to the field. Her work resonates with a wide audience, making her a true Voice of Diversity in today’s complex and evolving workplace landscape.