Wendy Flanagan, Vice President of Murray and Past President of The New Jersey Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (www.njiabc.com), presented a Round Table Discussion on Diversity in Communications at the Capital Hilton (www.capital.dchospitality.com) in Washington, DC. This was one of several notable Leadership Sessions at the IABC Heritage Region Conference, the first of its kind representing communicators from 21 States on the East Coast. The conference had attendees from corporations including: Sprint, Watson Wyatt, J.M. Huber Corporation, American Red Cross, BD, Ernst & Young, LL Bean, Johns Hopkins University, and BAE Systems' to name a few.
The Diversity in Communications Round Table Discussion focused on the inclusive work force, marketplace and business community including suppliers, partners and investors. Communicators discussed how their companies must reflect the changing population within the ranks of employees and managers to be in keeping with the demographic balance of the country and the global economy. Comparisons were made between corporations with a separate diversity council and budget and those that consider it inclusive to all communications.
Group concerns were voiced; "If there is no champion, then there is no forward momentum in diversity and inclusion vs. concern that perceptions would see a showpiece for commitment rather than true commitment." Conclusions were drawn that corporations and individuals must 'talk the talk' and 'walk the walk' through demonstration of commitment to diversity in communications, recruiting, training, and measurement. That diversity allows for different voices, perspectives, backgrounds, priorities and orientations that help companies identify opportunities and create new markets.
Commented Flanagan, "I was thrilled to receive support from Diversity, Inc. Magazine; who not only donated their publication for handouts at the event, but also gave subscription discounts and door prizes for IABC events. This type of interest in the communications industry is great for IABC ' and for all business. We are fortunate to have Diversity, Inc. Magazine headquartered in Newark, NJ (http://www.diversityinc.com)."
Flanagan serves as one of the Chapter Liaisons for the Heritage Region, communicating member needs and IABC activities to keep a finger on the pulse of the industry. Volunteering her time to educate communicators, Flanagan introduced panelists James Irwin of Ernst & Young and Katie Delahaye Paine of KDPaine & Partners; leveraging her expertise in Internet trends to act as moderator for that Technology Session.