Session Overview:

This session is dedicated to Champions of Change who are ready and willing to step into a vulnerable place to have raw and robust conversations about diversity-related issues that matter to them; and the communities that they identify with. Participants will have an opportunity to define and understand the purpose of BRAVE conversations; knowing when and how to respond; and learning how to lead in L.O.V.E. 

Meet the Presenter: 

Hattie B. McCarter is a Certified DEI Practitioner, with 15 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging; 20 years of public speaking; and 7+ years in Human Resources/Recruitment. Hattie is from Enterprise, Alabama, a small town that is surrounded by farmland, good soul food, and strong family values. Hattie obtained her master's in Rehabilitation Counseling from Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL; and then moved to PA to pursue her career in Vocational Rehabilitation. 

Although her passion for DEI blossomed before moving to PA, Hattie started her career at the Department of Labor & Industry’s: Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) where she worked for 10 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor then promoted to a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Specialist. As the VR Specialist (Human Resource, Diversity and Communication), she redeveloped and led the agency’s DEI Program as well as their recruitment strategy for hiring diverse and qualified master’s level students for OVR’s employment and internships. In 2022, Hattie transitioned to the Department of General Services to oversee and implement their Equity Management Program (EMP) as the EMP Coordinator. Hattie was charged with promoting and fostering a workforce that was diverse and inclusive through equity training(s), steering committees, employee resource groups (ERGs), assessments and metrics. 

As Hattie’s career and expertise began to soar in the field of DEIB, she decided to launch her consulting business, McCarter’s Equitable and Distinctive (MEND) Solutions. MEND is a consulting agency that equips businesses and organizations with tools in framing and integrating an equitable lens. MEND’s vision is to be the “plug that ignites BRAVE spaces for change.” MEND prides itself on nurturing spaces where leaders can demonstrate active listening; being open; commit to vulnerability; and educate those who are ready to be a VOICE.

This session is pending certification credits. 

Many thanks to our September meeting sponsor: