As part of April’s National Volunteer Month, leaders from across Goodwill came together for a virtual Act of Goodwill volunteering as supporters and allies of the work of community partner, African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM), to improve racial equity in Milwaukee and develop the region as a destination where everyone can thrive.
On April 22, 2021, Goodwill hosted AALAM’s current African American Leadership Program (AALP) cohort of dynamic rising African American leaders representing companies across the greater Milwaukee area for a virtual learning session, “Leading the People.” Goodwill’s President & CEO, Jackie Hallberg and leaders from across its enterprise conducted an immersive learning experience on breaking down barriers, creating a more inclusive workplace and leading for growth while serving and uplifting others. By providing relevant, authentic insight and perspectives, Goodwill worked to equip AALP cohort members with tools to grow in confidence, become more effective leaders and excel in their careers.
Steven Broadway, AALP cohort member and education program coordinator at Medical College of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy shares how participating in the session is amplifying his current work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), “The topics around DEI were extremely timely and relevant. Hearing the strategic way Goodwill is implementing DEI practices at its organization motivated me to continue this work. I left feeling energized.”
Toya Griffin, AALP cohort member and senior director of STEAM programs at Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee reflects on the experience, “This session provided me with strategies that I can use as I lead my small but mighty team. Sessions such as these are assisting me in my journey from AALP to the C-Suite.”
The day also consisted of executive coaching and mentorship as well as an engaging panel discussion moderated by Goodwill’s Chief Communications & Diversity Officer, Angela Adams, around the importance of allies and co-conspirators in the workplace and community.
Skip Dexter, senior vice president of retail served as a panelist and knows the significance of participating in sessions such as the one hosted with AALAM.
“As a leader deeply committed to advancing an inclusive workplace, I know it’s equally important to expand that commitment into the community Goodwill serves. Being an ally is not only a personal responsibility, but a role we must all work to hold in our career, workplace and community. The panel discussion enabled Goodwill to align with the work of AALAM to improve racial equity in Milwaukee and provided the opportunity to support the personal and professional development of Milwaukee area African American professionals.”
“We were moved by the openness of the panel discussion on allyship. Demonstrating what ally relationships look and feel like was a gift to our group,” explained Dr. Jeanette Mitchell, co-founder of AALAM and founder of AALP. “Goodwill has been a wonderful partner for AALP by sharing how it lives its mission and inspiring cohort participants to consider their own personal leadership mission and to get involved in the community.”
AALAM is a nonprofit organization consisting of a cross-sector network of African American leaders and allies dedicated to developing, supporting and retaining Milwaukee’s pool of African American talent. AALAM bolsters its efforts through its African American Leadership Program which provides Black leaders the opportunity to enhance their ability to lead and serve within their organizations and across the community.
Learn more about Goodwill’s community engagement efforts.
ABOVE: Skip Dexter, senior vice president of retail shares the importance of being an ally with AALP cohort members.
ABOVE: Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago’s President & CEO, Jackie Hallberg speaks with AALP cohort members on leading people for success.
ABOVE: Angela Adams, chief communications & diversity officer speaks with AALP cohort members on inclusion and breaking down barriers in the workplace.
