Grassroots Strategies for Diverse Talent Retention in Lexington

A 2018 Lexington Herald Leader article recognized Lexington’s lack of diversity as an economic issue.  It stated, “A cadre of experts told WalletHub that diversity brings broader and deeper pools of talent for businesses that also can be more diverse in their offerings. Economic growth occurs. Access to other cultures expands world view and understanding. Companies can do more to attract a diverse workforce and benefit communities. Groups and individuals can partner with others in various ways to make the area more inviting.” 

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Making Lexington more inviting to people representing diverse backgrounds is exactly what a group of young professionals is trying to do.  The inaugural Young Professionals of Color Convening was held in Lexington, Kentucky on Friday, March 2, 2017.  This grassroots project brought together close to 80 professionals of color to discuss local quality of life issues and come up with solutions to how to make Lexington a more inviting place, especially for young professionals.  During the December Lexington Forum breakfast, we will hear from organizers of the convening and learn about initiatives that occurred as a result of the convening.  We will also be made aware of additional ways Lexingtonians are working together to help Lexington be seen as a place where young professionals of color can prosper.  

Please join:

Tiffany Hayden (University of Kentucky Athletics)

Larry Jackson (Synergy Coach and Resolve Fitness) 

Christian Motley (Strive Together) 

As they discuss their efforts to help the next generation of diverse workers for Lexington feel like they belong in our community rather than seeing Lexington as a stopover career spot before they move on to larger cities with more diversity.