November 15, 2021
We want to serve as a resource. To keep you abreast of critical issues dominating the national discourse—including diversity, equity and inclusion; the digital divide; STEAM education; entrepreneurship and small business—we’re compiling timely news and information in one place because the first step to fixing a problem is understanding it.
T.D. Jakes Foundation in Action
Last week, T.D. Jakes Foundation President & CEO Hattie Hill represented the foundation as part of a weeklong trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where she and colleagues from T.D. Jakes Ministries met with business leaders and others. As part of the trip, the group visited Konza Technocity, an innovative smart city that will be a world-class, sustainable technology hub and economic driver. At Konza, Ms. Hill spoke at a stakeholder engagement tour, which was followed by a virtual roundtable with Foundation Founder and Chairman T.D. Jakes on how to use financing and STEAM to accelerate Africa’s transformation. Read more about the visit here and here.
The T.D. Jakes Foundation PATHWAY program, and its Virtual Hiring Platform, a 365 days-a-year program, is connecting job candidates to corporations actively recruiting diverse talent. We encourage people at all stages in their careers, from entry-level candidates and recent college graduates to experienced job seekers and advanced-degree holders to become part of the program! Visit our website to learn more and submit your information and connect with companies looking for diverse talent!
Help Wanted
A new survey of HR professionals confirms that the job market remains “brutal” for companies, with 74% of respondents saying that they are struggling to hire qualified talent. The report is from GoCo, an HR software firm, which surveyed more than 600 HR professionals, asking how the pandemic is affecting them after more than a year, and what their plans are moving forward. Read more in BenefitsPro.
Today, there a large shortage of employees. The impact of COVID is a large part of this issue, but so is an ongoing generational shift. Many baby boomers are retired, and the number of people in Generation X (born 1965 to 1979) is relatively small. The next wave of the population Generation Y and Z are filling in where the baby boomers left open. Gen Z (people born from 1997 to 2012) are now 25% of the workforce. Insurance Journal looks at how companies can successfully compete for talent.
If you’re looking to give your income a boost this holiday season to help pay for added expenses like gifts and travel, you may want to take advantage of companies that are currently hiring for seasonal roles. These companies tend to fall into industries that are extra busy this time of year, like retail and accounting. Read more here.
The massive computing power of artificial intelligence (AI) offers many opportunities for businesses and their human-resources teams — from removing bias in the hiring process to recruiting top talent to identifying problems and conditions that cause an existing employee to quit. Read more in Business Insider.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The business-need for diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) may be stronger than ever. However, it’s the racial unrest that we’ve witnessed in recent months that has led to businesses making it an intentional and focused part of their conversations as they look to increase diversity, create an inclusive workplace culture and build the successful teams that businesses need to thrive. Read more in Forbes.
For global sports company adidas, ‘impossible is nothing’ is much more than a tagline. As one of the most recognized and iconic brands in the world, adidas sees endless potential to transcend cultures – both on and off the field of play. To be the best sports brand in the world, adidas needs to work with talent that reflects the diversity of its customers. In 2020, the company redefined its framework for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to clarify what DEI means to adidas as a company: championing individual uniqueness and cultivating a culture of belonging so that everyone can create at their best. Read more about adidas’ efforts here.
Ellen Katz, president and CEO of Greater Cincinnati Foundation, writes about companies embracing diversity, equity and inclusion by saying, “One thing I can guarantee: They’ll need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Read her thoughts in Business Insider.
Digital Divide 
When the coronavirus pandemic forced campuses to shut down abruptly in March 2020, colleges and universities scrambled to move courses online – in turn bringing to light an existing digital divide in education. As remote learning and work became the new normal, colleges had to adapt to ensure that every student had the resources necessary to complete their courses. U.S. News has more.
A $550 billion bipartisan infrastructure package that will soon be signed into law includes a record $2.75 billion in state grants to help millions of Americans access and use technology—a great start, advocates say, but more is needed. The Covid-19 pandemic illustrated in stark terms the importance of broadband connectivity, both for working Americans and especially for children, many of whom were forced to attend classes virtually across the country during the darkest days of the pandemic. The legislation (H.R. 3684) would help low-income and minority populations who lack at-home internet, and train adult populations on how to use computers to help apply for jobs. Read more in Bloomberg.
Education
Dallas County recently lowered the COVID-19 risk level from red to orange as cases continue to decrease in our area. Last week, the FDA released an approved vaccine available for children ages 5 to 11. Dallas ISD is partnering with various organizations to operate a series of vaccine clinics at various elementary schools, set to begin on November 20th. Find out more from DISD’s blog.
More good news for student loan borrowers seeking student loan forgiveness. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona tweeted: “Good news! Over the coming weeks, more borrowers — including veterans & service members — will get emails about #PSLF debt cancellation,” Cardona added, referring to Public Service Loan Forgiveness student loan debt cancellation. In all, The U.S. Department of Education is cancelling another $2 billion of student loans. Read more in Forbes.
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