Pamphile’s laser focus on achieving diversity in the media industry through corporate partnerships, internships and talent development programs for minority college students continues to pay off. Witness the success of the Foundation’s Diversity Partners program, which helps companies meet their diversity objectives via an internship program, job board postings and opportunities to interface with T. Howard alumni. “The way to incorporate diversity into the recruiting process is to initiate a process that is creative rather than routine,” she says. “It’s not casting a wider net, it’s creating a new net.”
How can diversity be better incorporated into the recruiting process?
The way to incorporate diversity into the recruiting process is to initiate a process that is creative rather than routine. List all the traditional ways you currently recruit candidates and replace as many as you can with a new approach. It’s not casting a wider net, it’s creating a new net. Select a variety of schools, smaller institutions and state colleges that have a larger representation of the populations you are trying to reach. If looking for experienced diverse candidates, organize a committee of diverse professionals with varying disciplines and backgrounds to get the word out about opportunities at your company. Be creative and use technology to organize a virtual career fair.
Can you share a successful diversity program at your company or one you’ve observed at another company or organization?
A few years ago the Foundation launched a new program called Diversity Partners. The program offers an easy way to help companies meet their diversity objectives via our internship program, job board postings, and opportunities to interface with our alumni at organized meet & greets. The candidates for internships and employment opportunities are pre-screened to ensure that they meet all requirements. Each package includes tickets to the Annual Diversity Awards Dinner and access to a recruitment event prior to the dinner.
Which current television show/s best embrace diversity?
“Grey’s Anatomy” was the first prime time television show to assemble a truly diverse cast in a dramatic series. The cast was diverse by age, gender, ethnicity and, orientation. There was the absence of stereotyping by profession, with women and people of color in professional positions of authority. “Grey’s Anatomy” not only ranked highly in diversity, but also in ratings. It was recently announced that there will be season 16 and 17, making it a record setting dramatic series. Proving that diversity can be profitable.
