“This is the seed that was planted in that 17-year-old spirit,” said Clara Green, head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Regions Bank. “Being able to work as hard as I can every day to keep other people from experiencing that feeling is important to me.”
Green was describing an experience that took place when she was in high school. It was an experience that painfully illustrated how some people see others differently, negatively, or through the lens of stereotypes.
That moment was the beginning of what would become a calling – a calling to foster greater inclusion and a stronger sense of belonging for all people and her work today at Regions Bank.
“We believe a diverse and inclusive organization is better suited for meeting the needs of our communities, but it’s not only that,” Green said. “We also believe it is fundamentally the right thing to do. People deserve a workplace that values them for who they are. We want our colleagues to know they are welcomed – and valued. … Our goal is not to see others through the narrow lens of labels or stereotypes. Rather, we see a greater value in taking the time to get to know each other – up close.”
Green recently shared her journey and perspective in an interview with the Birmingham Times. From her early days growing up in North Carolina, to her initial pursuit of a fashion career, a transition to HR, and relocating to a new city, Green shared how more key moments led to her focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and how family continues to shape her priorities and purpose.
On her motivation: “Passion will sometimes sustain you when nothing else will.”
On Birmingham: “You realize it’s a progressive city that’s working very hard to outpace it’s history.”
On Regions’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion progress: “Through engagement e-surveys and other ways we communicate with associates … we’re working at a great pace.”
Read the full Birmingham Times article.