The Why? Gray’s mission is to make A+E Networks the industry model for forward-thinking DEI initiatives that truly make a difference on a global scale. Gray launched a comprehensive DEI website, the A+E Diversity Report, and the company’s first Diversity Advisory Council which advises executives on everything from vendor selection to global connectedness.
She Says… “I have been very excited to see people start to talk about DEI and live DEI as part of the natural fabric of the business, rather than looking at it as a thing that they know is important but aren’t quite sure what to do with.”
Book I wish everyone would read: “The Warmth of Other Suns”—by Isabel Wilkerson—a magnificent story of the Great Migration.
What roadblocks have you overcome when it comes to DEI? The normal struggle with change. I have been very excited to see people start to talk about DEI and live DEI as part of the natural fabric of the business, rather than looking at it as a thing that they know is important but aren’t quite sure what to do with.
Song from your earlier days that’s still on your playlist?: “Don’t Go” – Yaz
What community support initiative has your company championed that you’re most proud of? We do so much – it is hard to pick one! I actually will talk about the most recent one—our recent global corporate day of service where people fanned out into the various communities where we work and came together on service projects—from cleaning beaches in Singapore—to working at food kitchens and on community farms – to providing resume building advice. The energy that everyone felt giving back to our communities was remarkable.
How can leadership best support DEI?: By modeling the behaviors. It is not enough to just say to an organization that DEI is important. If the organization doesn’t see the leaders actively making change then it sends all sorts of subtle messages that DEI isn’t really all that valued, and lets people off the hook.
First internship: Working in a NJ real estate office updating the listings. I still have a complete obsession with real estate!
