Panel discusses value of diversity in workplace

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Michael Carden, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman (third from left), Ohio adjutant general, thanks panel discussion participants following “Overcoming Obstacles on the Career Path: Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter” Feb. 26. 2016, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. The discussion, part of the Ohio National Guard Leadership Development Series and in conjunction with African American/Black History Month, focused on the role of mentorship and its importance in building an inclusive organization. READ STORY

Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman (left), Ohio adjutant general, presents a plaque of appreciation to Kimberly Brazwell, special assistant to the president for diversity initiatives at Columbus State University.

Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman (left), Ohio adjutant general, presents a plaque of appreciation to Reggie Thomas, vice president, community development outreach group, Huntington National Bank.

Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman (left), Ohio adjutant general, presents a plaque of appreciation to Lorraine Washington, senior vice president of human resources, SUMMA Health.

Maj. Gen. Mark E. Bartman (left), Ohio adjutant general, presents a plaque of appreciation to Sgt. Maj. Tanya Turpin, senior supply supervisor, 16th Engineer Brigade.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (02/26/16) — Members of the Ohio National Guard gathered for a panel discussing the significance of diversity and inclusion, as part of the organization’s leadership development series. The panel, “Overcoming Obstacles on the Career Path: Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter,” brought in senior civilian and military professionals to discuss best practices and lessons learned in building cohesive work forces.

“They’ve realized that diversity and inclusion is essential to them being successful,” said Maj. Shaun Robinson, state diversity and inclusion advisor for the Ohio National Guard and one of the event’s organizers. “Just because we (in the military) aren’t in the commercial world doesn’t mean we can’t learn from them. We aren’t trying to make money, but we are driven by mission accomplishment. Diversity and inclusion gives us more tools to be successful.”

Rather than have individuals tell their life story, organizers wanted to have them provide guard members tools that they can use in their workplaces and in their units.

“People get so caught up on bringing people in to be diverse, but if we don’t include them, they are not going to stick around,” said panelist Lorraine Washington, senior vice president of human resources, SUMMA Health, “To be successful, you have to have talent. Diversity and inclusion is a talent. If people are worried about hiding themselves and who they are, they aren’t going to be successful.”

Mentorship was a reoccurring theme with panel members sharing examples of their personal experiences with mentorship and how it relates both to the civilian world and the military.

“You may or may not choose to mentor,” said panelist Reggie Thomas, vice president, community development outreach group, Huntington National Bank. “But it will still be your responsibility. Sometimes mentorship isn’t formal, sometimes it’s simply relationships. We’ve come a long way, but still have a long way to go.”

With good attendance and positive feedback from the event, organizers are already planning future programming for the series.

“We want to give people something of value that they can take back to their units,” Robinson said. “It’s about setting people up for success. If our units are places where everyone is able to contribute, we are getting everyone’s best.”