The Why: Rucker’s commitment to DEI extends well beyond HR. She serves on NBC’s Diversity Counsel, is executive champion for NBCU’s Black Employee Network in the Latin America region and leads NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises’ Women in Leadership Program. She advocated for Comcast to invest $100 million for a multiyear plan to fight injustice and inequality of all kinds.
She Says… “We have seen a trend where DEI leaders are being terminated and/or voluntarily opting out of roles as a result of resources being cut or frustrating internal politics. At Comcast NBCUniversal, we very clearly understand that DEI efforts are not a momentary trend.”
Who do you view as a DEI champion? Everyone (in whatever capacity they function in) has the ability to be a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion if they are actively and consistently engaging in any of the following behaviors:
- Creating a space in their environments where diverse individuals feel seen, safe, heard and can thrive
- Openly challenging status quo behaviors that lend themselves to marginalizing diverse individuals and communities,
- Partnering with relevant key stakeholders to create (or be a participant in) ongoing educational and networking opportunities that explore bias, the nuanced experiences of diverse communities and how to demonstrate empathy and provide advocacy and support
- Developing DE&I action plans that drive positive change, with supporting metrics and on-going evaluation to hold the organization accountable for measuring and tracking the impact of its efforts.
Place I would love to retire to: Bali
Do you think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year? Unfortunately, we have seen a trend where DE&I leaders are being terminated and/or voluntarily opting out of their roles as a result of budgets/resources being cut or frustrating internal politics. For us at Comcast NBCUniversal, we very clearly understand that DE&I efforts are not a momentary trend, but instead an ongoing critical business imperative that directly and positively impacts the success of our organization, and the lives of the individuals that engage with us (as employees, viewers, clients, communities, etc.) all over the globe.
Coworkers describe me as… Authentic, kind, courageous, creative and strategic, with the ability to inspire others to execute effectively.
Organization you’re proud to support: I am very proud to serve on the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade. We empower low-income, vulnerable homeowners, small business owners, and community organizations by providing critical home repair and accessibility modifications at no cost to them. Our efforts preserve naturally occurring affordable housing, revitalize communities, and make homes safer and healthier. I welcome you to learn more and support our efforts here at https://rebuildingtogethermiami.org/.
