Guests: Shalynne Jackson

Ministry/Business: City of Oklahoma City

YouTube Video Interview

Over the last several years, we have seen a significant increase in senior executive positions to oversee diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI. These positions are not only focused on strategies to create diverse workplaces but also workplace cultures that value all employees regardless of ethnicity, skin color, gender, or diversabilities. Today’s guest, Shalynne Jackson, is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the City of Oklahoma City. Her passion is to help organizations understand how to create equitable cultures in which everyone can thrive and do their jobs to the best of their abilities.  

One of the main catalysts for Shalynne to get into this work was a condition called alopecia. As she learned to find strength in her identity, embrace her baldness, and release the need to cover it up, Shalynne came to a deeper understanding of the impact of DEI work. To Shalynne, the most significant responsibility God has given us is to love others. Her role model and example is Jesus – he was the first true DEI leader! 

We can support more inclusive cultures by educating ourselves and advocating for equity and inclusion by speaking up. We can invest in getting to know people and listening to their stories. If we all come together, there could be a day when DEI initiatives are no longer needed because it is integrated into our culture.

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