For organizations to thrive, they must foster an inclusive climate, one in which every student, faculty, staff member, and manager, regardless of the demographic from which they come or with which they identify, can feel they can bring their whole selves into the workplace.
Engineers are astute at tackling complex problems. Who better, then, are equipped to grapple with the complexity of increasing diversity and inclusion (D&I) in higher education, industry and other domains at scale.
This talk synthesizes the latest research into a practical value proposition, through the lens of the engineer. It explains to the manager looking to produce better products and solutions why it matters; to the faculty member seeking to stimulate greater understanding and learning in her classroom; the executive aspiring to increase his company value; and the college president who aspires to move her university to higher levels of student retention and success. In short, this talk makes the case for why diversity matters to you. . Finally, the presentation describes how the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is joining forces with other engineering societies using a collective impact methodology to operationalize and scale a learning ecosystem to ensure that all students can thrive.
Dr. Karl W. Reid was named executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) on June 2, 2014, marking his return to the organization that gave him his first major leadership experience, 32 years earlier. For the past 19 years, he’s been a leading advocate for increasing college access, opportunity and success for low-income and minority youth.
Dr. Reid came to NSBE from the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), where he oversaw new program development, research and capacity building for the organization’s 37 historically black colleges and universities and held the title of senior vice president for research, innovation and member college engagement. Before his service at UNCF, he worked in positions of progressive responsibility to increase diversity at his alma mater, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which he left as associate dean of undergraduate education and director of the Office of Minority Education.
While working at MIT as Director of Engineering Outreach Programs, Dr. Reid earned his Doctor of Education degree at Harvard University. His dissertation explored the interrelationship of race, identity and academic achievement. He is the author of Working Smarter, Not Just Harder: Three Sensible Strategies for Succeeding in College…and Life.