How Cisco’s Aleta Howell is Pioneering Black Representation in the Corporate World

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In the ever-evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion, some exceptional individuals are driving change within their organizations and pioneering a path for others to follow. Aleta Howell, the Global Inclusive People Movement Strategist at Cisco, is one of those change agents answering the call to take inclusion efforts beyond lip service.

BYP Network welcomes Howell to the stage as the distinguished keynote speaker during our “Knowledge is Power” US Summit in Atlanta. We’re bringing together a diverse lineup of speakers to share their expertise on leadership development, career growth, and business success. 

How Aleta Howell Undergirds Cisco’s Commitment to Increase African-American Representation

Data continues to highlight the lack of Black representation in corporate leadership. Consequently, In 2020, Cisco committed to addressing this issue as part of a comprehensive plan. The organization implemented 12 Social Justice Actions to combat social inequality. Among them, social action 2, focusing on Black representation, saw an 11 percent increase under Howell’s leadership. 

Howell understands that progress requires deliberate and intentional actions. Her team added several programs and initiatives within senior management. They increased brand recognition and highlighted employment opportunities within the 18 to 24-year-old demographic. They also created diversity conferences, talent expos, and information sessions at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to recruit top Black professionals.

Her impact has led to the implementation of innovative programs and initiatives that champion the advancement of Black women in the tech industry and beyond.

Diversity in Action Through Black Resistance

Howell is open to candid conversations around diversity and equity. She is kicking off the US Summit with a straightforward discussion focused on Black Resistance and its relevance in the workforce.

During her presentation, she explores the power of Black Americans who have systemically fought discrimination and injustices in the corporate world and how their legacies inform today’s diversity efforts. From strategies to improve relationship capital to ways Black professionals can authentically create their seat at the table, Howell is guaranteed to drop major professional development gems to help position you for success.

She will be joined by over a dozen industry leaders conducting inspiring breakout sessions. The Co-CEO of Belizaire Global Impact Group, Mona-lee Belizaire and Germaine Moody, are discussing the racial wealth disparities and how to decrease the gap.

Jewel Burks-Solomon and Tameka Thomas will join BYP Founder and CEO Kike Oniwinde Agoro for an in-depth conversation on leveraging capital. Participants will gain insight into how organizations can leverage their capital resources to contribute to the social and economic well-being of the communities they serve.

The elevation doesn’t stop there. Participants will learn to change the narrative, trust advanced technology, and utilize their businesses to cultivate future generations.

Join us at the Summit and Hear from Howell and other Trailblazers First-Hand

The Atlanta Leadership Summit takes place on Friday, May 26 from 12PM – 6.30PM EDT at the Hotel Colee. Secure your FREE in-person or virtual ticket now!

Fast-track your resume to our headline sponsors Cisco and Capco now, to hear about future opportunities at the leading companies. Submit your resume.

You can also join us at our New York Leadership Summit on May 19 – find out more.

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