The Why: A changemaker committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone in her orbit, Leroy elevates the discussion of DEI through business training programs, a unified advertising initiative to increase female leadership within the industry and high-impact programs like the ReThink speaker series. She revamped the sales associate program to ensure diversity, which increased BIPOC hiring by 254%. In her free time, she produces “Descendants of Hope,” which highlights the positive impact diverse ancestry has on society.
She Says… “There is a popularly cited quote by inclusion strategist Vernā Myers, who said, ‘Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.’ And other DEI thought leaders have aptly added that ‘belonging’ is dancing like no one’s watching.”
What recent pop culture moment showed progress in diversity and inclusion in entertainment? A significant moment occurred during this year’s Academy Awards when Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh took home the Best Actress statue for her leading performance in the acclaimed movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” Yeoh became the first-ever Asian actress and only the second actress of color to win in this category since Halle Berry in 2002. For me, Yeoh’s acceptance speech was truly inspirational as she addressed the little boys and little girls who look like her that this win was proof that dreams do come true. Additionally, Yeoh encouraged women of all ages not to let anyone say they are past their prime and to never give up!
How do you define inclusion? There is a popularly cited quote by inclusion strategist Vernā Myers, who said “diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” And other DEI thought leaders have aptly added that “belonging” is dancing like no one’s watching.
Organization you’re proud to support: I firmly believe that if you can see it, you can be it, so I’m passionate about serving in the annual Principal For A Day program presented by New York City-based non-profit PENCIL. For nearly 30 years, Principal For A Day has been one of NYC’s most enduring ways for the business community to connect to 1.1 million students. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with students in my hometown of Astoria, Queens. During this year’s “Principal For A Day,” I visited the Urban Assembly School for Media Studies in Manhattan and shared my career journey with talented 9th and 10th graders who aspire to enter the media industry. It was also enlightening to meet with the principal and school leadership about their career apprenticeship program that aims to place students in companies that focus on technology, finance, and business operations. I’m excited to expand the partnership with PENCIL to help connect students to success.
