This week global diversity and inclusion and gender equity pioneer Hattie Hill steps into her new role as CEO and president of the newly launched T.D. Jakes Foundation. Hill will lead the foundation towards a $100 million fundraising goal using her 30-plus years’ experience in global business.
Just weeks after formally stepping down as president and CEO of Women’s Foodservice Forum, Hill accepted the charge to guide the T.D. Jakes Foundation in bridging the gap between human potential and job opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields. The Foundation will provide specialized education and training for individuals in underserved communities largely through the construction of Dream Centers in U.S. cities, where residents can access practical tools needed to excel in STEAM jobs.
“Underserved communities usually can’t access the resources needed to succeed at—or even apply for— 21st Century STEAM jobs, and those are the jobs that are becoming most plentiful,” said Hill. “The T.D. Jakes Foundation will not only build a pipeline of educated youth but will also train adults because companies are in desperate need for employees right now. With Chairman Jakes’ convening power and the foundation’s vision, I believe we can make a hugely positive impact economically and socially.”
Hill is particularly focused on the technology forefront. Since algorithms in artificial technology have been shown to demonstrate biases against women and people of color, Hill will dedicate special efforts to increase the diversity of coding engineers worldwide.
“If artificial intelligence follows the partialities of its creators, then we need more women and more people of color involved in coding,” said Hill. “I’m grateful to use my experience in diversity and inclusion to influence the make-up of tech companies and their employees. It only makes sense that the coders behind the screen accurately represent the rest of the world looking at it.”
Learn more about the foundation and its work at www.tdjfoundation.org.
