Belonging and Equity at Work: Insights from Darlene Slaughter

Diversity is being invited to the party

Equity is dancing to the music that you like

Inclusion is being asked to dance

Nothing is more critical in the workplace than the feeling of being seen or heard. That's why Darlene Slaughter, the Vice President, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Metro was hired. In Slaughter’s new role, she wants to ensure everyone feels a sense of welcome and belonging, irrespective of their race, gender, religion, or position.

Inclusion demands that everyone gets a seat at the table. Slaughter explained, “Do I have a voice at the table? Is my voice respected? Can I see the outcome of the things I talk about?” When seated at the table, diversity in who you see also matters. Slaughter added, “If there is no diversity at the leadership level, it might not exist at the staff level.” She emphasized entering an organization with confidence, knowing there's a path to leadership, and making a difference not only for everyone but especially for those who share your identity, which carries immense weight in the workplace.

It is imperative for people to show up as their most authentic selves in the workplace – for equity's sake. Slaughter highlighted something as simple as wearing braids– “I should be able to wear my hair however I want. I don't want to feel less than because my hair doesn't fit a standard. Equity matters because who I am matters.”

As the first Chief Diversity Officer at Metro, Slaughter designs her job from scratch, builds new initiatives, and offers strategies for management and employees. Her role includes being the voice of reason and an advocate when needed. Slaughter asks, “How do we level the playing field and create equal opportunities for all people? How do people feel when they enter the workplace? Are they thriving? Do they feel like they belong? Do they feel respected?”

To Slaughter, a sense of belonging and pride are paramount—pride in who you are and where you come from. She desires everyone to remove their masks and showcase their skills and talents at work without guilt or shame.

“When I can be my most authentic self, I am more productive and feel good about the place I work,” stated Slaughter.

Her ability to address uncomfortable conversations and navigate awkward tensions makes her the right fit for the job. Slaughter’s more than 15 years of experience as a Chief Diversity Officer provides important perspectives and learnings that prepare her for the issues of today.  In fact, those combined experiences assisted her when conducting sit-down conversations with employees who were experiencing difficulty following the 2020 murder of George Floyd.

“All of those things which are happening in the real world, actually comes into the workplace,” said Slaughter. “Some of the conversations are really provocative conversations, necessary conversations.”

Slaughter, who sees herself as an educator, eagerly works towards closing any gaps and fostering understanding. Recently, she visited a Bus Division for a meet-and-greet to connect with Metrobus employees. She believes in meeting people where they are to truly effect change. “Being a senior leader and showing up for people across the board is powerful and special. Not only for the community itself to see that Metro leaders are really walking the talk but for the employees to know they’re supported.”

Slaughter, having been in her position for a few months, cherishes the opportunity to bring others along on her journey.

“My door is open to everybody, I want to hear what people want and what they like, and what they think we could do … I want to make sure people know that they have a voice and that the employees at Metro absolutely matter. Everybody at Metro has something significant and unique about them, and we need to bring all of that into the fold,” she said.