Tag Archives: Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Meet Dr. Alecia Bracy: Championing Diversity and Inclusion at Central Piedmont

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Central Piedmont Community College is proud to spotlight Dr. Alecia Bracy, our dynamic Vendor Diversity Program Specialist. With her profound expertise and dedication, Dr. Bracy is at the forefront of fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and equity.

Dr. Bracy’s Journey:

  • Academic Excellence: Armed with a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, her research delved into the workplace experiences of underrepresented groups.
  • Corporate and Consulting Leader: Brings a wealth of corporate experience in learning and leadership development, alongside being a founder of a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Central Piedmont Mission: Focuses on enhancing the participation of Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) in providing services to Central Piedmont.

Her Vision and Impact:

  • Diversity Advocate: Dr. Bracy is passionate about creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels valued.
  • Educational Contributor: Before her current role, she served as a part-time Continuing Education staff instructor at Central Piedmont, further affirming her commitment to education and career development.
  • Community Leader: An active volunteer, mentor, and leader in several organizations focused on social justice, women of color, and community service.

Accolades and Contributions:

  • Presidential Member: National Society of Leadership and Success.
  • Award Winner: Recognized for her academic achievements and impactful community service by various organizations.
  • Small Business Advocate: Works closely with Central Piedmont’s Small Business Center to provide opportunities and resources for small, underrepresented businesses.

Why Dr. Bracy’s Work Matters:

  • Inclusive Growth: Her efforts ensure that diversity and inclusion principles are woven into the fabric of Central Piedmont’s operations and culture.
  • Bridging Gaps: By connecting underrepresented businesses with vital resources, she helps strengthen the community and promotes economic equity.

Dr. Bracy’s Reflections:

“Central Piedmont offers a role that aligns perfectly with my passion for diversity and inclusion. Contributing to an environment where everyone feels valued brings me immense satisfaction,” Dr. Bracy shares.

Looking Ahead:

Dr. Bracy’s dedication to making a difference resonates throughout Central Piedmont and the broader community. Her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is paving the way for a more inclusive future at Central Piedmont Community College.

 

Are you the next member of the Student Equity Council?

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Lend your voice to help create a more-inclusive, diverse and equitable Central Piedmont. The Student Equity Council (SEC) is looking for new members. The SEC stands as a voice for Central Piedmont students in the areas of policies, procedures and resources as it relates to diversity, inclusion and equity.

Eight different, diverse people with deeply smiling faces across a multi-color striped background.

The SEC is committed to cultivating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students through:
  • advocacy
  • programming and service
  • supporting our diverse, identity-focused student clubs
  • anti-discrimination training and development opportunities for students.
Virtual meetings are every other Friday at 2 p.m. Join the SEC today and make a difference for all students. SEC leadership positions are also available.
For questions or more information, please email edicouncil@cpcc.edu.

Community Partners Encourage Students to Speak Up

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four panelists sitting on stage in front of a projector screenIn celebration of Black History Month, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council at Central Piedmont Community College hosted a virtual panel discussion today featuring prominent leaders from some of its key partner organizations in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. The panel was comprised of:

  • Kieth Cockrell, president, Bank of America Charlotte
  • Chiquitha Lloyd, director of diversity and inclusion, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Dr. Dana McDonald, vice president of talent development, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
  • Fernando Little, vice president and chief diversity officer, Atrium Health

During the event, Central Piedmont employees and students had the opportunity to hear the group discuss their personal stories as they relate to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and most importantly, learn about each individual’s professional experiences with actively advocating for and promoting opportunity, access, and fairness within their organizations and in the community-at-large.

“I’d encourage all of you, no matter how you classify yourself or what you think about this campus, to speak up,” said Cockrell during the event. “We all have a voice and we all need to show a willingness to make things better.”

Be on the lookout for upcoming events and learning opportunities that support your success both personally and professionally. Check the college event calendar often to see what exciting things are happening on campus – both online and in-person.

Listen to a recording of the event here. (Central Piedmont credentials required to access audio file.)

Central Piedmont Hosts Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Panel with Community Leaders

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two students sitting in auditoriumIn celebration of Black History Month, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council at Central Piedmont is hosting a virtual panel with prominent leaders from partner organizations in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. Central Piedmont students and employees don’t want to miss this opportunity to hear personal and professional experiences of how some of our top community leaders advocate for opportunity, access, and fairness within their organizations. 

The panelists: 

  • Kieth Cockrell, president, Bank of America Charlotte
  • Chiquitha Lloyd, director of diversity and inclusion, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Dr. Dana McDonald, vice president of talent development, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
  • Fernando Little, vice president and chief diversity officer, Atrium Health
Students and employees can join the event on February 2, from 1:00 -2:30pm online. (Link will be made live the day of the event. Currently it goes to the Central Piedmont homepage.)

Understanding Everyday Bias Keynote

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two students sitting in auditoriumJoin us Nov. 3rd  from 2:00pm – 3:30pm for the Understanding Everyday Bias Keynote.

The Understanding Everyday Bias virtual keynote uncovers how hidden biases affect organizations and invites participants to reflect on their own biases. Students will learn how bias functions in the brain, shapes our perception of reality, and may negatively impact workplace decisions and culture. Participants will be inspired to take action to mitigate their bias in the future.

Civil Rights Icon, and Former Mayor Visits Central Piedmont

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Harvey GanttThe Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council at Central Piedmont brought civil rights icon and former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt to Central Piedmont’s Halton Theater stage on Oct. 14, to serve as a panelist during its EDI event titled, “A Story of Perseverance in Driving Change.”

Mr. Gantt was joined on stage by moderator Dr. Charles Mitchell, equity and opportunity presidential fellow at Central Piedmont, as well as panelists Dr. Tracie Clark, vice president for strategy and organizational excellence, and Dr. Chris Cathcart, vice president for student affairs, at Central Piedmont.

During the event, Central Piedmont employees and students had the opportunity to hear the group discuss the power of collaboration and allyship in creating change and moving the EDI needle in a positive direction, and how Central Piedmont can continue pushing forward in supporting its students and the Charlotte community.

Read the complete story.

View video from the event.

 Harvey Gantt: A Story of Perseverance in Driving Change

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Harvey Gantt photo in front of colorful backdropJoin us on Thursday, Oct. 14; 1 – 2:30 p.m. for the Harvey Gantt: A Story of Perseverance in Driving Change.

In addition to being Charlotte’s first African-American mayor, Mr. Gantt was also the first African-American student at Clemson University. Join us as he reflects on his own journey, discusses the power of collaboration and allyship in creating change, and gives advice on how Central Piedmont can continue pushing forward in supporting our students and the Charlotte community.

Location:  Halton Theater in the Overcash Performing Arts Center on Central Campus.

Live streaming available on each campus. Space will be limited to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed.  Masks will be required at all of the events (both in-person and streamed). Register and reserve your seat today!

For more information, please contact David.Mahatha@cpcc.edu.