Join us on a journey of empowerment and enlightenment to Inspire Inclusion! In the final episode of season one, we dive deep into the heart of allyship, celebrating Women's History Month with inspiring leaders at IBM. From fostering inclusive cultures to amplifying voices, we uncover the power of solidarity and action. Hear from Joanne Wright, Rafi Ezry, Julie McDougal, and our host Dr. Joy Dettorre, as they share their personal stories, experiences, and insights on igniting change and inspiring inclusion for a more equitable workplace. Tune in for this engaging conversation with actionable steps towards a more diverse and equitable future. Be part of the movement. Be inspired. Be equal. Be Equal – Learn more about the <a href="https://www.ibm.com/impact/be-equal/communities/women/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Women's Community at IBM</a> If you're interested in learning more about diversity, equity and inclusion at IBM, send us an email to us at inclusiveibm@us.ibm.com

Rafi Ezry

Managing Partner, US Communications and Industrial Markets, IBM Consulting

Julie McDougal

IBM Diversity & Inclusion Leader - Women's Community

Joanne Wright

IBM Senior Vice President, Transformation & Operations

Join us on a journey of empowerment and enlightenment to Inspire Inclusion! In the final episode of season one, we dive deep into the heart of allyship, celebrating Women's History Month with inspiring leaders at IBM. From fostering inclusive cultures to amplifying voices, we uncover the power of solidarity and action. Hear from Joanne Wright, Rafi Ezry, Julie McDougal, and our host Dr. Joy Dettorre, as they share their personal stories, experiences, and insights on igniting change and inspiring inclusion for a more equitable workplace. Be part of the movement. Be inspired. Be equal.


Women's History Month – Inspire Inclusion

Women's History Month – Be Equal Podcast by IBM

At IBM, we foster a culture of conscious inclusion and active allyship where every IBMer can make a positive impact. We are constantly building this by creating a more diverse workforce, cultivating a flexible work environment, and enabling an inclusive culture while advocating for equity inside and outside of IBM. On this podcast, you will hear diverse perspectives from IBMers around the globe who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in their day to day through various actions and initiatives that support everyone’s uniqueness to strive while showing up as their authentic selves at work.

Be Equal Podcast

Have you considered how Artificial Intelligence can be influenced by the biases and assumptions made by humans? As we celebrate Black History Month in North America and a few other geos, we invite you to embark on a compelling exploration of AI’s impact on communities of color with IBMers Traci Bermiss, Dr. Stacy Hobson, and James Stewart. Join our insightful conversation as we navigate the complex AI landscape of potential opportunities and challenges. Against the backdrop of IBM’s continuous efforts in implementing AI ethics, policies, and practices for its own business and clients, you will be guided through the intricate intersections of AI and community impact. This podcast empowers listeners to not only grasp the complexities, but also contribute to a future where technology serves everyone equitably. Be Equal – Learn more about the <a href="https://www.ibm.com/impact/be-equal/communities/black/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Black Community at IBM</a> IBM Blog: <a href="https://www.ibm.com/blog/why-we-need-diverse-multidisciplinary-coes-for-model-risk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The importance of diversity in AI isn’t opinion, it’s math</a><a href="https://www.ibm.com/blog/ai-skills-for-all-how-ibm-is-helping-to-close-the-digital-divide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AI skills for all: How IBM is helping to close the digital divide</a>

Dr. Stacy Hobson

IBM Director, Responsible and Inclusive Technologies Research

Traci Bermiss

IBM Diversity & Inclusion Leader - Black Community

James Stewart

IBM Principle Account Technical Leader & AI Ethics UK

Have you considered how Artificial Intelligence can be influenced by the biases and assumptions made by humans? As we celebrate Black History Month in North America and a few other geos, we invite you to embark on a compelling exploration of AI’s impact on communities of color with IBMers Dr. Joy Dettorre, Traci Bermiss, Dr. Stacy Hobson, and James Stewart. Join our insightful conversation as we navigate the complex AI landscape of potential opportunities and challenges. Against the backdrop of IBM’s continuous efforts in implementing AI ethics, policies, and practices for its own business and clients, you will be guided through the intricate intersections of AI and community impact. This podcast empowers listeners to not only grasp the complexities, but also contribute to a future where technology serves everyone equitably.


Black History Month – The impact of AI on communities of color

Black History Month – Be Equal Podcast by IBM

Have you considered how Artificial Intelligence can be influenced by the biases and assumptions made by humans? As we celebrate Black History Month in North America and a few other geos, we invite you to embark on a compelling exploration of AI’s impact on communities of color with IBMers Traci Bermiss, Dr. Stacy Hobson, and James Stewart. Join our insightful conversation as we navigate the complex AI landscape of potential opportunities and challenges. Against the backdrop of IBM’s continuous efforts in implementing AI ethics, policies, and practices for its own business and clients, you will be guided through the intricate intersections of AI and community impact. This podcast empowers listeners to not only grasp the complexities, but also contribute to a future where technology serves everyone equitably.


In November, we honor the vibrant culture, traditions, and valuable contributions of Native and Indigenous people in the United States. In this episode, IBMers Starrlee DeGrace, Courtney Duckett, and Kevin Reigner share insights into how the community celebrates Heritage Month at IBM with the theme: "We are here, but not alone". While listening to their conversation, you will discover ways to become an active ally through discussions on topics like land acknowledgement, misconceptions, and bias. Through both individual and corporate support, IBM cultivates a profound understanding and appreciation for Native/Indigenous peoples. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and attractive workplace for the U.S. Native and Indigenous population. Learn more here: <a href="https://www.ibm.com/impact/be-equal/communities/indigenous/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.ibm.com/impact/be-equal/communities/indigenous</a>

Courtney Duckett

Associate Technical Specialist, IBM Software

Kevin Reigner

Associate Offering Manager, IBM Consulting

Starrlee DeGrace

IBM Diversity & Inclusion Leader - Native & Indigenous

In November, we honor the vibrant culture, traditions, and valuable contributions of Native and Indigenous people in the United States － the nation's original inhabitants and their descendants. In this episode, IBMers Dr. Joy Dettorre, Starrlee DeGrace, Courtney Duckett, and Kevin Reigner share insights into how the community celebrates Heritage Month at IBM. During the conversation, you will discover ways to become an active ally through enlightening discussions on topics such as territory acknowledgement, misconceptions, and bias, while learning from their experiences and perspectives.


Native American Heritage Month – We are here, but not alone

Native American Heritage Month – Be Equal Podcast by IBM

In November, we honor the vibrant culture, traditions, and valuable contributions of Native and Indigenous people in the United States － the nation's original inhabitants and their descendants. In this episode, IBMers Starrlee DeGrace, Courtney Duckett, and Kevin Reigner share insights into how the community celebrates Heritage Month at IBM. During the conversation, you will discover ways to become an active ally through enlightening discussions on topics such as territory acknowledgement, misconceptions, and bias, while learning from their experiences and perspectives.


Every year, on November 11th, Veterans Day is observed to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In this episode, Joy Dettorre engages in a conversation with IBMers and U.S. veterans, Catherine Harkins and Daniel Sturm. They share their perspectives on the 2023 theme for Veterans Day at IBM: Leadership, Resilience, and Service, as well as their experiences in the military and their transitions to the workplace. During this conversation, you'll also have the opportunity to hear from Shannon Huffman Polson, a trailblazing figure, U.S. veteran, author of 'The Grit Factor' and founder of 'The Grit Institute'. Listen to the full conversation with Shannon Huffman Polson <a href="https://ibm.box.com/s/p04tv4ltcywr1yqvi5sq1rop3g654gex" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. Check out '<a href="https://shannonpolson.com/podcasts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Grit Factor</a>' podcast series hosted by Shannon Huffman Polson.

Catherine Harkins

IBM Diversity & Inclusion Leader - Veteran Community

Daniel Sturm

IBM Vice President, Human Resources Technology Lifecycle Services

Shannon Huffman Polson

Author of The Grit Factor and Founder of The Grit Institute

In honor of Veterans Day, U.S. Armed Forces veterans Catherine Harkins and Daniel Sturm talk with Dr. Joy Dettorre about their military experiences, transitions to the workplace and perspectives on the 2023 theme for Veterans Day at IBM: Leadership, Resilience, and Service. They are joined by Shannon Huffman Polson, a trailblazing figure, U.S. veteran, author of 'The Grit Factor' and founder of 'The Grit Institute'.


U.S. Veterans － Leadership, Resilience and Service

U.S. Veterans – Be Equal Podcast by IBM

Every year, on November 11th, Veterans Day is observed to honor the service members who have served in the United States Armed Forces. In this episode, you will hear from IBMers and U.S. veterans, Catherine Harkins and Daniel Sturm talking about their perspectives on the 2023 theme for Veterans Day at IBM: Leadership, Resilience, and Service, as well as their experiences in the military and their transitions to the workplace. You'll also have the opportunity to hear from Shannon Huffman Polson, a trailblazing figure, U.S. veteran, author of 'The Grit Factor' and founder of 'The Grit Institute'.


From Sept 15-Oct 15, we celebrate the many contributions of the Hispanic &amp; Latin Familia community to IBM and to the world. Tune in to hear from IBMers Dr. Joy Dettorre, Ana Paula Assis, Florencia Paradeda, and Isabella Andreadis Rocha as they share their personal journeys, experiences and heritage, marked by the unique qualities of grit, resilience and determination, all while thriving in IBM's multicultural environment. Discover the theme of Hispanic Heritage Month for the Familia@IBM community, "Passion, Purpose and Progress", as discussed by Alan Torres to learn how this group has evolved and its vision for the future as part of the company.

Ana Paula de Jesus Assis

IBM General Manager, EMEA

Isabella Andreadis Rocha

IBM UX Design Consultant

Alan Torres

IBM D&I Leader, Hispanic Community

Florencia Paradeda

Senior Program Manager, Business Transformation Services, IBM Consulting

Hispanic & Latin IBMers members of the Familia@IBM community share their personal and professional journeys through compelling and inspiring stories. These narratives highlight how their heritage, passion, and determination have been instrumental in their pursuit of success.


Familia@IBM － Passion, Purpose and Progress

Familia@IBM – Be Equal Podcast by IBM

Dive into the world of inclusion and allyship in this enlightening episode of the IBM Be Equal podcast. Join Jill Stewart in a dynamic conversation with Kitty Chaney Reed to discover the power of active allyship and its impact on fostering a supportive and collaborative culture. Hear about the success of the IBM 'I’m in Allyship' internal campaign, featuring insights from the IBM senior leaders Saad Toma and Amit Sharma, who exemplify allyship in gender equality. This episode also features perspective from Jeffery Tobias Halter - Consultant, Author, Gender Strategist and the President of YWomen. If you want to hear more from Kitty Chaney Reed, check out her interview on "<a href="https://listen.casted.us/public/95/Inspiring-Voices-715168b0/b2adee2d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Inspiring Voices</a>".

Kitty Chaney Reed

IBM VP, Chief Leadership, Culture & Inclusion Officer – CHQ, Human Resources

Saad Toma

General Manager, IBM Middle East & Africa

Amit Sharma

Managing Partner - Global Delivery, IBM Consulting

Jeffery Tobias Halter

Consultant, Author, Gender Strategist and the President of YWomen

Dive into the world of inclusion and allyship in this enlightening episode of the IBM Be Equal podcast. Join Jill Stewart in a dynamic conversation with Kitty Chaney Reed as they talk about the IBM D&I "I'm in Allyship" internal campaign. Hear from Amit Sharma, Saad Toma and Jeffery Tobias Halter to discover the power of active allyship and its impact on fostering a supportive and collaborative culture.


I'm in – IBM Allyship Campaign

I'm in – Allyship Campaign – Be Equal Podcast by IBM

As we celebrate Pride Month, IBMers members and allies of the LGBTQ+ Community talk to Dr. Joy Dettorre about their personal and professional experiences through unique and inspiring stories in which IBM helped them thrive. Raquel Katigbak is the Global Client Partner for IBM Consulting and parent of a gay non binary. Gemma Woodcock is a Senior Data &amp; AI Partner Technical Specialist for IBM Technology and a trans-woman. Mike Hollinger is an IBM Distinguished Engineer, Master Inventor for the Software area, and the LGBTQ+ Business Resources Group (BRG) Leader for the Austin, Texas – USA, community. BRGs at IBM are volunteer, employee-led groups formed around a common interest, bond, or background. There are over 200 BRG's across the company with membership in 52 countries. Things to listen for:<ul><li>[00:03&nbsp;-&nbsp;00:43] Welcome</li><li>[00:37&nbsp;-&nbsp;02:58] Intro</li><li>[03:09&nbsp;-&nbsp;07:03] Raquel's journey to allyship</li><li>[07:04&nbsp;-&nbsp;10:53] Allyship at IBM</li><li>[10:53&nbsp;-&nbsp;15:02] The purpose of a Business Resource Group</li><li>[15:03&nbsp;-&nbsp;17:39] How to better support the LGBTQ+ community</li><li>[17:37&nbsp;-&nbsp;18:53] IBM Allyship lanyard</li><li>[18:53&nbsp;-&nbsp;22:15] Mike as BRG leader</li><li>[22:15&nbsp;-&nbsp;24:56] Current LGBTQ+ stats</li><li>[24:56&nbsp;-&nbsp;28:29] How the LGBTQ+ community members can be better allies to one another</li><li>[28:30&nbsp;-&nbsp;30:14] Closing</li></ul>

Raquel Katigbak

Global Client Partner - Technology & Innovation; IBM Industry Diamond, Member - IBM Academy of Technology

Gemma Woodcock

Senior Data & AI Partner Technical Specialist, IBM Technology Ecosystem, UK

Mike Hollinger

IBM Distinguished Engineer, Master Inventor, CTO Applied AI & Solutions, IBM Sustainability Software

IBMers members and allies of the LGBTQ+ Community talk about their personal and professional experiences through unique and inspiring stories in which IBM helped them thrive.


Recent Episodes

SEASON 1

Black History Month – The impact of AI on communities of color

Native American Heritage Month – We are here, but not alone

U.S. Veterans － Leadership, Resilience and Service

Familia@IBM － Passion, Purpose and Progress

I'm in – IBM Allyship Campaign

LGBTQ+ – Thriving through Allyship

About The Show

Be Equal Podcast

Jill Stewart

IBM Diversity & Inclusion, Director

Joy Dettorre

IBM Diversity & Inclusion, Global Leader

Luiz Lopes

IBM Diversity & Inclusion, Engagement Leader (Be Equal Podcast Producer)