Carlow University started its Social Justice Institute to become a leader in advancing an inclusive and just society through education and informed practice. We welcome Ryan S. Scott, Executive Director of the Social Justice Institute at Carlow University, to give us more information on the institute and how recent events have made its purpose absolutely critical. The mission of the Social Justice Institutes at Carlow University is to provide access to under-represented groups and to close educational, socio-economic and leadership gaps, particularly those that disproportionately affect women.
Transcription:
Okay, good afternoon and Happy Friday. This is Audrey Russo, President CEO, the Pittsburgh Technology Council. And I am always thrilled to be here I'm joined by Jonathan Kersting. He is at the tech council oversees all things media, and very often is my partner in crime in all of our storytelling work. I am very thrilled to add today's guest. I know it's Friday. I know it's beautiful out. But this is an important topic and with a very special human who is Pittsburgh's one of Pittsburgh's I would say young up and coming leaders, so you know, please use this opportunity to get to know the sky a couple of things is that first of all, I want to give a big shout out to our sponsors. Want to thank sheets for joining us, they have been just incredible partners. And if you don't know anything about sheets, which you probably should if you've driven anywhere outside of Pittsburgh, you've probably stopped to the sheets and for many different reasons and understand that they have really been ahead of a lot of innovation in terms of their space, but locally, in Pittsburgh, they're actually building a presence and they have a presence right now in terms of their innovation group. And that Innovation Group is located in the east end of the city where many of the other innovation hubs are located. So we look to a lot of excitement that come out of sheets and their leadership, Deloitte, Deloitte as a long term partner, and they've been around for a very long time. 85% of our clients are the fortune 500 companies. And they actually as well have a big innovation strategy and are strong partners in information technology, as well as Huntington Bank, who's been around for a long time but very active in the cares act and a lot of the PPP money that has been supported in our region. So as well as you know, obviously around the United States, but they're civically minded. And heavily engaged in small businesses. So we have muted your background. And we've muted your background on purpose because we really don't want to hear any of the noise that's behind you. I do have two dogs. And right now, for some reason, first time in 90 days, they seem to be particularly active. So I apologize for that. And I also want I don't know what's happening, they know this is their bedtime. I have no idea what's happening. So on top of that, we have a chat, lot of opportunity to ask some questions. Jonathan's going to monitor that. So I am going to jump right in. I'm going to jump right into someone that I actually personally have the pleasure of knowing over the last few years, but someone who I believe is a rising star in our region, and his name is Ryan Scott. And currently and for the last year, in seven months, he has been the executive director of the social justice Institute's of Carlow University. lots to talk about with Karla University. Another day diamonds that sometimes is kept to hidden in our region. But I'm gonna pass the baton right now. And I'm going to ask Ryan to quickly introduce himself and set the table so that we can understand who Ryan is and the work that he's doing. So thank you so much for making the time for us today, Ryan.
Well, first and foremost, I definitely want to thank you, Audrey, for inviting me today in the Pittsburgh Technology Council. It's a pleasure and an honor to be able to chat with you today, particularly regarding the work that's being done at Carlow University, I definitely have to give a shout out to Dr. Suzanne Mellon, who's the president and CEO of the university, who's doing fantastic work in the way of leading social justice related issues at the University. I'm a Pittsburgh native, born and raised, went to West Virginia University, received my undergrad I'm currently at the University of Pittsburgh, ABB right now writing dictation So in the last stages, so hopefully completed by December. But I'm looking right now. And I'm focused on equity and equality within our education system right now. So I'm just really excited to be here and speak with you today.
What is your dissertation dissertation?
Right now I'm looking at pre college culturally relevant programming for African American boys in their transition from high school to college.
So that's a sweet spot. We will definitely be following up after this. So, like I said, very exciting. So let's talk about the social justice Institute's so you know, what's the mission? What's the work? How does this align with your own your own? Why your own purpose?
Sure, sure. Well, the social justice Institute's is a newer entity within the university. As you may know, the Sisters of Mercy came from Carlisle and with the intent of really facilitating social justice change, so they were radical women really, as a social justice warrior. Be even before the name was coined and this is now a hot button topic, but they've come in with the you know, history and traditions of the university to facilitate system systemic change by informing practice and educating for social justice. So right now we provide We are an incubator with for faculty research, and staff research in securing partnerships between community based learning and we kind of serve as a conduit for community engagement. So right now we're doing you know, a lot in the way of working with our students, faculty and staff just to promote different issues that are related to social justice. And that can be anything from racism to disparities that are happening as a result of COVID-19. And the like, are could be health disparities or could be religion or it could be sexual orientation. So we that the, it's, there's a myriad of topics that we could talk about today.
Well, so where do you want to start? Which one do you want to highlight and the other thing is how to timely.
Yeah, yeah, it is timely. And like I said, I think this is an age and I think, unfortunately with the the murder of George Floyd has really sparked. You know, I mean, this is something that has been happening for years. And I like to highlight that by saying that first this is not new. This is nothing new is this. This has been something that has waking people up, I think in combination with the covid 19 pandemic, it has really put us in a position to where we now can really process and stop for a minute and think about everything that's happening. And I think there's conversations like bees that are given us a real world view and time to really reflect and talk about issues that are concerning us. We've been at the social justice Institute's having several conversations regarding the COVID-19 crisis. In back in March, we've engaged several partners including Betty Cruz from the World Affairs Council, Mayor Maria Garrett from Williamsburg. Just That's corruption from DHS, you know, a plus schools from the educational aspect. And we've even included our own Dr. millia. Johnson in conversation, who is director of equity and inclusion at the university to really hone in on some of the issues that are happening in our community right here in Pittsburgh, as it relates to the covid 19 pandemic.
Yeah, I mean, it's it's a disproportionate amount of people getting hit by COVID that are of the black community. It's both here and around the world. You know, we can speculate lots and lots of different reasons, but definitely around the, the kind of disease in, you know, the diseases that each of us have, that seemed to be more complex and access to healthcare. So it's sort of it seems like it's just exponential. Oh, yeah. I have to apologize that I have my dogs with first time Ryan. I've had my dog and my dog's name is weird. Houston, so Oh, fantastic. She's not behaving right now. So I just want I'm holding her because she's not behaving. So I apologize. No worries at all. So, you know, I think it's exacerbated by the health conditions and the lack of access to health care. But what about what are you seeing Ryan, in that work that you just start? You just conveyed some of the strong black leaders in our community and people of color leaders in our community? What about the white leaders in our community getting involved in those efforts that you just can be doing?
Well, you know, and that's actually a really good question. I think that more and more are stepping out. I mean, you have some pillars in the Pittsburgh region that have just been, I would say, social justice warriors all along. I can think of you know, Scott Landy from UPMC is a warrior. I mean, there's several that are Allen Tribble Lino from PNC Bank, another social justice warrior, you know, Board Chair of the Urban League That's correct. That's correct. So there are our, you know, white leaders that are doing it, I think that we can all, you know, together because this is not, you know, a black people's problem as it relates to racism, all of us problem. I mean, we are all in this world together. And it's not, you know, in an effort to say this is a Kumbaya effort. But it this is a this is an honest, you know, situation that we have here. And this is truly, I'd like to say epidemic within a pandemic or a pandemic within a pandemic. But this is something that we all need to address and all need to take seriously now, as this is all the world that we're living in. And this is in Unfortunately, this is something that has been going on for far too long.
Well, I'd like to just pose a personal question to you and I know you well enough to know that you will, you'll be candid, but there have been a few times while you've been born and bred in Pittsburgh, and you know, obviously, you know, your matriculation and your college education is no significant and your journey has been consistent in terms of learning what We're lucky to have you here. Okay. And I have a feeling that there have been times where you have said this might not be the place for you as a professional. And personally, is that have I captured that right? Well,
absolutely, um, you know it, there's no mistake about it that for people of color, particularly African Americans, it's been Pittsburgh is a tough place to to thrive and really to reach our maximum potential, you know, for various reasons. You know, it's not that we're not educated enough to do it. It's just more or less This is a conservative town and unfortunately, I think with with different changes going now, I think there is opportunity for change, I think that things will change. But it's going to take all of us particularly people on the call people who aren't going to the same diversity and inclusion meetings, to to make these changes happen. And I think honestly, it's something from a leadership perspective. And, you know, I'd like to charge Challenge leaders across the region to really make this an effort of priority not to check a box, but to really change the culture and the landscape in which you work.
And so give us some advice on that. Because it's not just checking a box. And it's not just saying that you have someone leading diversity and inclusion. Sure, some advice you have experienced being at the Urban League, working with young men working with an array of people, both that are affluent and both who have been left behind.
Sure, sure. Well, I think Well, the first thing is listening, listening and doing your research, listening to people who have, you know, you know, had adversity in their lives in the way of when we're talking about race or whatever topic we're, you know, we're referring to listen to those people. Second, I think, you know, there's a lot of great resources now, you know, everybody's an author. So we cannot there's definitely a lot of resources that are available that people can reference in way of doing that, I think really just taking looking at the culture of your workplace and having intentional townhall meetings and getting feedback, I think, you know, climate surveys are great, particularly talking to people. I think someone just put in, yeah, something in a way of mentoring. You know, and I think to just really recognizing our implicit biases, as we all have them, you know, no matter who you are, we all have them, recognizing them, and then, you know, learning how to kind of foster through them with other people.
We do have a question that, Jonathan, what was the question from?
This is a great question from Dr. Chuck Herring, and he says, Do you think that our white allies in positions of influence should lead through sponsorship instead of just being mentors?
Well, I think it's both and i don't i don't think it's limited. I've had several great white mentors in my life who have been, you know, instrumental in my success, but at the same time, you know, I think you know, is more than just a mentorship. And I think, you know, definitely you need resources in order for things to happen. If this is you know, people say you put your money, where your where your mouth is and where your heart is, it's a heart issue. And I think you can put, you know, your time, talent and treasure, you know, into, you're going to put it in the things that you care about. And I think that, you know, social justice should be one of those entities that should be, you know, at the Paramount at the hallmark of a lot of our organizations,
pretty much. So what are what are some of the resources that you recommend to help you with Pittsburgh's discussion on diversity and inclusion?
Well, one, the SGI, at the social justice institution, let's pull out like a good third app.
So you can actually reach out to us we're actually on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at underscore, carb, sorry, Carlo, underscore, SJ AI, and then Facebook. We're just social justice Institute's at Carlow University. So that's one way but then also there's some great books, white printing By Robyn D'Angelo is a great book, say, we're doing actually starting a book club within the SGI. And it was actually kind of funny because I had a faculty member reach out to me, specifically, and it was an article in The Washington Post and it says, you know, when things happen, it said, white people start a book club. So she called me she said, Oh, no, I just asked you to start a book club within your, you know, the SDI. And I just hope that's not offensive. And I said, No, it's not offensive at all. This is something that we totally need to do. And I'm glad that she took the initiative to want to learn more to want to do something else in order to kind of move the needle per se, within the organization. So we're going to be reading a book on how to be an anti racist by ebron candy on
that book. Mm hmm.
Yeah. So Oh, I see someone has it there. In the more. Yeah. So that's, that's fantastic. That's going to be a book that we're going to be focused on starting. And we're going to actually hold our faculty and staff responsible for the book and have intentional conversations. Every time we meet, we're going to have a series of nine meetings to kind of discuss that. We're still in the infancy phases of whether or not we're going to open it up beyond faculty and staff. But however, if we do, I'll make sure that you are you're, you're aware of it, but there's several resources that you can utilize. And reading is one of them.
So I want to go back pre COVID a little bit. Unless there's some more questions out
there, Jonathan, you're all clear. Let's go pre COVID man like this. So pre COVID,
you actually the social justice Institute to put together you know, it, some film some opportunity for films, one is the long shadow, and one is about Central Park five. Can you talk about that work that you've done? And the responses and what the learnings have been? Sure, sure. Well, everyone might not everyone might be familiar with either of those films.
Okay. Yeah, sure. Yeah, we saw back in November. Well, I had the opportunity of getting to meet Dr. Yusuf Salaam who was one of the Central Park five formerly known as the Central Park five, but the exonerated five. So they were you were charged and actually spent time in prison five teenagers, teenage boys, nonetheless have an excuse for raping a young white girl in New York City Central Park. They spent a series of seven to 15 years 20 years in prison and then were exonerated. So we brought Yusef Salaam back in November to discuss the issues his experience, kind of his his outlook now and one of the things that was really just profound to me was his outlook on forgiveness and moving on. And moving on and and that was one of the things that I you know, I'm not sure I'm strong enough to have done but it is one of the things that he really looked at and focus on was was moving on but also spreading the message of awareness and making sure that people will are aware and in moving towards changing, you know, a transformative experience. And now that you know that information, to do something better with it, the long shadow, we had the opportunity to show a film. And this was pretty cool. The days Those were the good old days, we had a room jam packed of individuals who came in to hear about the story. And it was a white woman who found out that her family were slave owners. And it talked about that experience of her going back down the line and hearing about some of the disparities and some of the things that were going on within her family in order to kind of and in what she had to do to kind of break the cycle of this racist history in her life. So it was actually we had the privilege to bring in director of the film who introduced it to, to our and her name is Francis kazi, who got to introduce the film, to the Carlow audience, so it was a really good Really good film really good experience. And if you have a chance to view it as suggest that you do. It was fantastic. Oh, and the film by Dr. Yusuf Salaam, it was actually able to warn a. And when they see us, it's on Netflix, make sure you check that out as well, to hear about that experience.
And so you had discussions afterwards?
Yes, we had a discussion, we invited both the director from the long shadow as well as Dr. Yusuf Salaam, on campus was really well attended by the greater Pittsburgh region. I think a few of you on the call were there. And it was just really in an effort to promote not only what happened, but to let people know this is something that is happening on a daily basis. This is something across the country are happening. They just happen to get notoriety and just happen to get press. You know about it. But these are things that are happening in our communities. And I believe not too long ago, there was another case, right here in Pittsburgh. In my lab, and that was kind of related to that, and I'd really there was an article in the post Gazette, but it just kind of goes to show you that, you know, these cases aren't one offs, you know, these these are so in justices that are happening, you know, right before our noses every day.
Were you able to get diverse audience? Where did you get white attendance?
Absolutely. And I think that was one of the things that was most profound to me, is that we probably had it was about a 6040 you know, audience 60% white 40% black that we're really just interested in, in hearing, you know, the messaging that was going and I got a lot of feedback from black and white and other people of color, who have really just, you know, sang the praises of this is the type of programming that is needed and necessary. Yeah, I cannot can't relate directly to this. However, this really opened my eyes to things that I didn't know existed. You know, we always like to Remind a lot of people that, you know, yeah, you may not think you experience it. But you know, if you have children and they're in school, they may be experienced in it, you know, your parents may have your nieces and nephews may be experiencing, your cousin's may be experiencing. So people are really, you know, experiencing, I think to using, you know, privilege to identify times where you are experiencing it or not, or other people are. So I think there's a, you know, there's a lot of, you know, power in that.
So, you know, I post COVID and I know, there's a question there but post COVID. Hopefully, I'm imagining a world first COVID some might call me naive, but it's a new world for sure. Well, you I find films like this and seeing it in groups, not just reading, I'm an avid reader, but I find that films and doing this kind of convening facilitate broader impact Are you going to continue this kind of format this kind of like what's ahead in terms of your plan at the social justice Institute's for these kinds of conversations and engagement?
Well, absolutely, yeah. It's, um, it's so important to continue these conversations, because I mean, we're not hitting everyone. Until, you know, racism ends until health disparities and things like that. And I think I was continuing will continuously have a job. And honestly, that would be a great, great way to end my job is not happening. But the reality of the situation is, yeah, we have to continue to have these conversations because they're mean, there's just this ongoing, and I always hate to say, you know, and I'm not, you know, a fan of, you know, looting or I'm not a fan of rioting or anything like that, but at the same time, I understand. I understand why it happened, because I understand now that it's kind of tension, there was much more attention in legislation and things change within two weeks, then it's happened in such a long time, and it's a shame That that has to happen to get there. What we're trying to do with the social justice Institute's is to be proactive in. So how can we work with people like yourselves in your organizations? How can we work with community leaders who are helping to push legislation and change some of the things so that we have adjusted society? For all? You know, one of the things that we stand upon is creating a Justin merciful world at the university. And that's something that we can't do by ourselves. This is something that we have to do through community partnerships. So we got some great questions coming in here. Ryan, one just came in right now. I want to get to immediately to make sure we get to it from Scott Harshman, who wants to know, can you discuss how the changes in technology can help with social justice?
Wow, changes in technology, what technology can be like a really great way to do that? Because how can we you know, it's instant right now, the way we're meeting having these sorts of conversations via zoom in teams and other platforms that are available or as Central to spread messages, also the way of social media. I mean, the age of social media is everyone's on it. And it seems like, you know, you can't put your phone down. So there's consistent messaging that's happening that way. So that can be in up with the time. So making sure our organizations are promoting and pushing these messages as social media changes, making sure that we're hitting our audiences, whatever they may be, in the various platforms that exists, is highly important.
So do you have any recommendations of local recruiting sites for professional and technical minorities outside of the regional sites like LinkedIn and career connector, etc?
Those are probably I would say, you know, LinkedIn was probably one of the best add that I'm aware of. For for tech professionals, I'm sure you know, Miss Russo can talk a little bit more. You know about that, but also connecting with organizations that have young professionals I would say like the Urban League of the greater Pittsburgh, you know, they have a young professional network as well. So getting connected with, you know, and that's one of the things if I can and know, Roger knows I'm a little bit candidates certain things, but you know, Gone are the days or I can't find anyone to qualify. You know, that's one of the things that I think drives me crazy is the Moses. Oh, you know, I'd love to have a black engineer, I just can't seem to find one. Well, if you need one, please send me an email person. We got to mix me know, several people of color that are qualified, no less to to be a part of an organization and that can really help the organization and not just because they're people of color. But because they bring a different diverse perspective, then I think it's important for our businesses to thrive, and they have talent.
Absolutely. That's okay.
What about Jonathan? Good Aaron O'Neill's question.
Yeah, I'm so glad we're getting to this question is a really good one. So give us some recommended next steps and resources to bring non white people to the C level to boards. And what do you think about the Rooney Rule?
Question. So, as far as Okay, so bring in next steps and resources. Again, I think it's connecting with this youth organizations, mean youth serving organizations that are connected to people color, for example, the Urban League young professionals as one. I know, they have, you know, you chapters of the NAACP, and other organizations. I know, some of the Latino organizations are available, such as getting connected with them. And I know we actually through our social media site, we have the SDI weekly, in which we promote different various resources, you know, each week but I would say, you know, connecting with those people and then connecting with other thought leaders, and people of color that are in leadership. That's, that's another way but to you know, getting them the boards and things like that. I think it's also important that we recommend, one of the things I'm in a network of folks that is an unofficial network, but we keep each other abreast of different activities. different organizations that are looking for board members, I would say I would suggest if you mentor anyone, particularly people of color, making sure that you're making them aware of board interests and talking to your colleagues about folks that may be qualified to be a part of that board as well to help diversify it.
So, you know, how do we get involved in your work in the social justice Institute's How can we provide you with access as well?
Well, I think there's three different ways and I think that's, you know, you know, across the board, anything that you're involved with, I think it's through your time, your talent and your treasure. Thank, you know, definitely, you know, your time meaning, you know, seeing how you can volunteer, whether that be, hey, I want to Hey, Ryan, I would like to be a speaker and one of your series that you know, I think in the tech council world, this is one of the issues we may have, Okay, can we talk about this and maybe women and stem Can we do it workshop to talk about the lack thereof and how we can improve that. It could be through, you know, your, your treasure, obviously, it's through sponsorship in order to have these sorts of platforms and to bring several speakers in or to provide resources for for our students we need that, you know, to thrive and one of the things that I'll note is the social justice Institute's is an organization within Carlow University. However, we are grant funded and endowed funded. So one of the things that you know, we're looking to do, we're not, you know, hard money, we're more so seeking, you know, finding consistently to run our programming, and that's something that you know, we're hoping to change at some point that it can be completely absorbed by the university, but this is something that is serious and I think that should be absorbed by all organizations. You know, and going beyond, you know, grant funding but it is something that is highly important.
Okay, so Lexi on our team has put the link out there. So there's blender and Carla links If you want more information, and if anyone wants to know how to get ahold of Ryan, you can just reach out to myself. And I'll make that connection if we don't have Ryan's email up there. But there's also a comment there about that. Before we close about Rooney Rule. There's a little bit of cynicism about that being just checking the box and not necessarily allowing for real change.
Right. And I think that's, that's really important. And I agree with that. I mean, I think that we shouldn't be here to just check a box because there's so many in, you know, usage of, you know, their their talent, then that is out there, in people of color. So it had it really, truly is a leadership issue. And I think it is a top down approach, if we're not doing it from a leadership perspective, and we're not taking it from the top down. Yeah, it is useless.
Mm hmm. And I think that there's a couple of other things that I still want to ask Jonathan. There's another question. from Chuck herring and Bernard right is bringing up a lot of good points. Yeah. Can you please
bring those up here? We got a few minutes left. So how would you recommend businesses that hire people of color provide a culture that allows them to not just exist, but actually thrive in a new setting?
Well, I think I think it kind of goes back to what we were talking about earlier, going where people are. So I mean, that could be perhaps even looking at if you're really intentional about looking at people of color. Well, what about what about HBCUs? And for those of you who are unaware, historically black colleges and universities, and plenty of professionals that are willing and ready to work to get out into the field, that's one way, obviously talking to your colleagues and having conversations. Hey, we're looking to diversify our staff. Are there other resources that you're using? And I think is to not being afraid, right? Well, number one, I would say do a SWOT analysis of your organization. You know, see where your strengths and weaknesses are. What does my current population look like? A people of color and not just To check a box, but really honestly take a real hard look at your organization and see if you are representing the population of the United States. I mean, does it does it match up and not to say, you know, that you just have to have, you know, 12% black or this or that. However, if you have talent, and you have people that are ready to work, let's put these people in positions in leadership positions, not just entry level positions, you know, Adrienne, I have conversations offline about meaningful positions. And that's really important to make sure that they're, we're putting people in with a diverse thought process, and then also our decision makers as well. I also like to say people who have Profit and Loss experiences, even I have talked about having financial responsibility towards the performance of a company or organization. Absolutely. So what else is there anything else out there, Jonathan, that we haven't answered? There's some good points.
Great comment here for you Ryan from from Barnard Rafi a proud Carlow alum and love that people like Ryan represent the university.
Oh, well, thank you very much we appreciate. And this is innocent. Just a side note to you know a little bit about me is that this is something that I would be doing with or without the university. This is something that I am, you know, it's a heart issue for me. And I think that, you know, it is pertinent and important that everyone has the right, everyone has an opportunity, and everyone has a right to have a decision making, you know, a piece is our stake in this game called life. And I think that, you know, through our organizations, we need to really ensure that everyone has a voice at the table.
All right, well, I hate to end this. I just can't extend my appreciation to you Ryan. I've been I'm proud to have watched you grow over the years and, and be candid. What you see with Ryan is what you get, and he's a guy who can be counted on. And Carlos, very lucky to have you but Pittsburgh, I want to be sure that this is a community that's filled with people like yourselves, ones who can be counted on the ones who aren't going to back down the ones who are going to say this is the future. And I'm going to plant my feet here. But I do, but I do worry. And again, I hope that I'm an ally. But I know that I have my own biases, and really trying to punch through it each and every day. So I cannot thank all of you for joining us today. Keep up with this guy, Ryan. Let's see what we can do to support him. And make sure that the social justice Institute is actually a deep, deep piece of Carlow and our community. So I'd like everyone to stay safe. I want to thank Ryan again, thank you so much for taking the time and for getting dressed up for us and I apologize about my dog being unruly, but you know, it's all met with love. So thank you so much. Thank you, Ryan for being here today. Thank you everyone for joining us, and we'll see you on Monday. Thank you
Transcribed by https://otter.ai