On February 3, Equitable employees hosted a discussion about leadership to kick off Black History Month and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Guided by the Head of Social Impact & Equitable Foundation, Jarian Kerekes, panelists Michael Locke, Jamil Massey, Kelly Johnson, and Quentin Deberry, answered questions about leadership, persistence, and character building.
Each panelist shared wisdom of their own on how to best develop character. Michael, Regulatory Director, emphasized the role of positivity and holistic care for oneself, ultimately enriching “honesty, trust, reliability, and dependability.” While Jamil, Facilities Manager, stressed that the company one keeps is vital to character development, saying, “you are the sum total of your five closest friends.”
After advising research toward local civil rights leaders, Jarian asked the panelists to name leaders who inspire them. Quentin, Program Manager, spoke about his uncle, a man who has balanced working for himself and giving back to his community. Jamil brought up his mother, whose resilience inspires him daily, while Kelly discussed Coretta Scott King and her role in the civil rights movement, stating that “behind every strong man is a strong woman whispering in his ear.”
Kelly, Lead Manager, Wealth Management Diversity Strategy, Business Analysis and CEO ARE Taskforce, was asked to describe her vision for the future of civil rights. She responded, “we have to continue having these conversations – but what else can we do?” She answers her own question of “what else” by saying that successful and meaningful change centers on character development and leadership.
