Lessons on DEI & Parenting from 2020 | #VillanovaHRTea

In this episode, Helynn and Bethany sit down with Traci Bermiss, Global D&I Leader at IBM and Board Member of Partners in Parenting (PIP), an Austin-based non-profit focused on supporting the well-being of new parents. Traci will share her experience in both DEI and PIP and how both were impacted by the events of 2020. Check out this new episode of #VillanovaHRtea available now on iTunes and Google Podcasts!

“I tell employees and teammates don’t ever apologize for the presence of your child. That’s unnecessary, right? …[W]e’re real people and we have lives...and I think it’s an unrealistic expectation for someone to say we need you to go to a room, close the door, and pretend that life isn’t happening around you for the next...8 to 10 hours. That’s unrealistic and you burn employees out like that. [Y]ou want the best of your people and that might mean that for a 3-hour block during the day they have to turn work off so that they can focus on family so that later in the day they can fully focus on work and give you their best selves.”

--Traci Bermiss

Global D&I Leader at IBM

After you listen to the episode, connect with Traci and check out some of the work that IBM and Partners in Parenting is doing related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Connect with Traci Bermiss on LinkedIn.
Learn more about what IBM is doing to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.
Learn more about Partners in Parenting (PIP) and the ways that they bring together new parents and families to provide support, friendship, learning, and resources.
View the 2020 IBM Diversity Report to see the steps IBM is taking to ensure all business units are taking action to promote inclusion in the workplace.

Stay tuned to the blog or social media to not miss an episode. Give us a follow on Twitter and Instagram @VillanovaHRtea! As always, we would love to hear what you thought of this episode and how you plan to incorporate your ideas into your organization or own life. Share your thoughts here or through social media using #VillanovaHRTea.

Cheers!