On September 8, the Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics welcomed Fields Jackson, Jr. ‘80, who presented “Making the Business Case for Diversity.”
The first talk in this year’s Seeking Justice in a Divided Nation Lunchtime Lecture series, Jackson shared his Allegheny journey to NASCAR and ultimately to his current position as the Founder, CEO and Chief Cheerleader of Racing Toward Diversity Magazine, President, College Diversity Network and Executive Director of the Historically Black Colleges & Universities Business Dean Roundtable. In this presentation he explains how diversity improves company performance both in profitability and innovation, particularly when problems are complex.
Click here to view this presentation on YouTube
He asked students, How do you know if a company values diversity?
Here’s Fields Jackson’s 7 Tips to prepare for your next job or internship interview:
- Check out the Board of Directors (generally found on the investor website), do you see diversity?
- Take a look at the senior or executive staff, same question.
- Who are the company’s partners, their networks or affiliations?
- Do they have a public vendor program? Do they attend special events?
- Do they attend Diversity job fairs?
- Are they active in social media, do they walk the talk?
- Google the company, what are people saying?
Network with Fields by connecting with him on LinkedIn.
Fields Jackson
Mr. Jackson is currently the Founder, CEO and Chief Cheerleader of Racing Toward Diversity Magazine, Cary, NC, President, College Diversity Network and Executive Director of the HBCU Business Dean Roundtable. Fields was recognized by Diversity Best Practices as one of the Top Diversity Thought Leaders on Twitter.
Fields has also been identified by Onalytica, London, England, who helps run influencer programs for some of the largest brands in the world as #13 of the top 100 global influencers focusing on Gender Equality and Diversity. Hive Learning recently recognized Fields as one of the Most Influential Diversity & Inclusion Leaders – 2019. According to Hive – Fields Jackson is an influential Diversity and Inclusion advocate and expert who publishes Racing Toward Diversity magazine. He advocates that job seekers conduct their due diligence in finding Diverse workplace opportunities through research, networking and asking the right questions.
Fields received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from Allegheny College, Meadville, PA. Fields received his MBA Degree from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill.
The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business & Economics attracts Allegheny’s next generation of business innovators and entrepreneurs by providing a host of co-curricular activities that connect with and deepen their classroom experiences. The Lunchtime Learning Lecture Series provides students with opportunities to gain valuable information on topics and industries related to internships and careers.