Creating Opportunities and Fairness in the Workplace - Pt. 2

As part of a two part series, Alicia Williams, the first Senior Director Anti-Racism & Racial Equity at the haircare products company DevaCurl, shares her intrapreneurial role to lead strategy and ensure anti-racism touches all aspects of the brand. This year, Alicia led an initiative with The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the largest and most inclusive national trade organization representing the professional beauty industry, and other partners, to launch the Texture Education Collective (TEC), an alliance of professional hair industry leaders with a shared goal of encouraging cosmetology state board licensing requirements and curriculums nationwide to be inclusive of all hair types and textures. Prior to this role, Alicia spent over a decade in nonprofits with underserved youth further sharing her start as a teacher at an alternative school as a labor of love that truly sparked her passion and calling. Alicia shared that “when something is your calling, or something is meant for you, you won’t be able to stop thinking about it or wanting to do it.” She dives into her continued passion for DEI work, her passion “for creating spaces for Black and Brown folks to succeed in Corporate America” and her desire “to move people forward, to advocate for people”. Bio: Alicia Williams (she/her) is the first Senior Director Anti-Racism & Racial Equity at the haircare products company DevaCurl, where she leads strategy and ensures anti-racism touches all aspects of the brand. Externally, she is working to eradicate racism in the hair industry. Her passion for DEI began while working in education. Alicia spent a decade in nonprofit roles that allowed her to share her passion for helping students and promoting change. After transitioning to the corporate sector, she found her niche at Converse HQ. As founder and Co-Chair of the Converse Diversity Network, she helped create its DEI framework while building company culture. Leaving an imprint on one of the world's most iconic brands, she sought further leadership roles to directly improve employees' work experiences and give them a sense of belonging. Since then, Alicia has held DEl roles in health care and the food industry. Her philosophy about DEl work and leveling the playing field can be summed up in three words: intentionality, exposure and opportunity. When these are at the core of DEl strategy, organizations can meet employees where they are, provide them with tools to reach their full potential and create a culture that supports everyone. Follow @lady_allie and visit https://www.devacurl.com/us. Quote: “I had this realization that we talk about all the opportunities that exist but don’t talk about the challenges and hurdles that also exist alongside opportunities that seem to be available to everyone.” Tune in to learn more from Alicia and Kendra and don’t miss part two next week.