Harris has been leading the Emma Bowen Foundation since 2015, driving forward the organization’s mission of diversifying the media industry by giving talented students of color the opportunity to intern at top media and cable companies via new partnerships, recruitment efforts and outreach. “I wish companies would ask more questions about retention and advancement in relation to diversity and inclusion, which are equally as important as recruitment,” he says. “They should ask what company practices and culture encourage employees to stay and advance.”
Can you share a successful diversity program at your company or one you’ve observed at another company or organization?
Our Hiring Program, which is a year-round career-coaching initiative designed to prepare Emma Bowen seniors to enter the workforce. It enables us to both go beyond internships by ensuring that we are a pipeline for full-time opportunities at our partner companies and amplify the industry’s entry-level opportunities to our diverse rising talent.
What questions is the industry not yet asking in its efforts to be more diverse and inclusive that it should be?
I wish companies would ask more questions about retention and advancement in relation to diversity and inclusion, which are equally as important as recruitment. They should ask what company practices and culture encourage employees to stay and advance.
Which current television show/s best embrace diversity?
“Grown-ish,” “Black-ish,” “Jane the Virgin,” “How To Get Away With Murder”.
