How Change in Equality Creates a Better World | Tammi Davis

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Ep. 137 - Tammi Davis is now Manager of Supplier and Workforce Diversity for the Obama Foundation in Chicago, working on the Obama Presidential Center! She gives us much to think about, from a business level on implementing a true diversity and inclusion program to your personal responsibility and accountability for race relations. One of Tammi's unique value-adds is that she possesses experience working in the public, private and non-profits sectors and has received numerous awards and recognitions for her dedication, leadership and social entrepreneurship towards the achievement of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. In this episode, Tammi talks about the impact of affirmative actions in communities and equality in the employment scene. Listen in to learn how you can make the world a better place by committing to bringing change to your own community. You will also learn the benefits of diversity and inclusion driving for productivity and growth in your business

Key Takeaways:

- Be an influence and a role model for your children to enable them to have and achieve bigger dreams
- How to be the change you want to see by committing to help your community in different ways
- How to practice diversity and inclusion as an employer through recruitment, retention, and development strategies
- How to make the world a better place by taking ownership, accountability, and responsibility for your actions

"We need to use whatever platform, position, or opportunity we have been given to make this world a better place. It takes each of us working in our respective areas to keep moving forward." -Tammi Davis

In this episode you'll discover:

Tammi describes the projects she spearheaded and how they transformed women's career paths [0:50]
How her childhood community around successful black people influenced who she became [5:47]
How her personal and professional strengths were enhanced after running for a political seat [9:31]
The importance of prioritizing diversity and inclusion as an employer [11:45]
How implicit biases are preventing America from moving past racial inequality [15:38]
The action steps to improve the quality of life for all races in all areas [18:08]
The issues that show that racism and inequality still exist in our society today [20:22]
Tammi believes that people should take ownership and accountability to change the world [22:00]

CAREER

Tammi Davis is an action-oriented, compassionate, and dynamic Policy and Public Affairs executive with over 20 years of experience in Affirmative Action Programs, Contract and Labor Compliance and Supplier Diversity Management.

Tammi has worked in the wastewater utilities industry for over 10 years, all of which has been with the Gary Sanitary District where she is the Director of Compliance and Policy Engagement. During her career, she has worked under four mayoral administrations in Gary, Indiana and has established relationships with federal and state agencies to promote the increased utilization and inclusion of minority, women, small and veteran-owned businesses.

Tammi has presented workshops at national conferences on the subject of workforce diversity and development and is considered a #WorkforceWarrior when it comes to making sure that construction projects are inclusive and diverse.

She has developed workforce and contract compliance programs for projects totaling over $1billion and provides her subject matter expertise as a consultant through her company, The Compliance Consultant, which she operated for over 25 years.

BOARDS

Some of her board experience includes serving on the Indiana Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the American Association for Contract Compliance National Board of Directors, Board Secretary for The Delta Institute, and Member of the Equity Advisory and Action Committee to the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition Governance Board.

AWARD

Most recently, Tammi was named a finalist for the 2021 Influential Women Award in Economic Development/Government by the Northwest Indiana Women of Influence Association.