“Inclusion first.”
- Naomi Mercer
What do DEI efforts in the Military and in the American Banking world have in common? They have both benefited from the expertise and support of today’s guest! Listen to this episode for her fascinating career story, insightful examples of inclusion and compelling stories of how she has helped many teams embrace DEI with head AND heart.
My guest is Naomi Mercer who is SVP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the American Bankers Association. In this role, Naomi supports member banks with their DEI efforts and programs. Previous to her current role, Naomi spent 25 years in the US Military in varying capacities including HR Officer to large units and working at the Pentagon, to being deployed in Iraq and teaching at Westpoint.
In this episode of Talent Management Truths, you’ll discover:
🍏 Examples of how the US Military has worked to make key shifts around religious accommodation requests
🍏 Why you must start with Inclusion in your DEI efforts
🍏 Ways to create opportunity and safety for DEI conversations that lead to real change
About Naomi Mercer: Naomi Mercer is Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for the American Bankers Association. She provides guidance and thought leadership, develops resources and tools, and helps banks with their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Naomi came to the ABA after she transitioned from a military career where she served in the Pentagon running the Army’s gender integration and religious accommodation programs. Her educational background includes a doctorate in Literary Studies with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an Executive Certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Georgetown University’s Institute for Transformational Leadership.
Links
- Naomi Mercer on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-r-mercer/
- Prosci ADKAR: https://www.prosci.com/methodology/adkar
- Have you been handed responsibility for an HSTI (High Stakes Talent Initiative) and you’ve been told, “get it done?” Consider hiring a thought partner. In The Strategy Springboard, a consulting/coaching intensive, I help you think through and plan out your HSTI (High Stakes Talent Initiative) and get you ready to spring into action.
- JOIN the Talent Talks Invitation List: These FREE monthly discussions are for Talent Management Leaders to expand your network, spark ideas and learn with your peers. We leverage large group discussion and small group breakouts: https://www.greenappleconsulting.ca/TalentTalks
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