It's Pretty Simple
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion isn't just the right thing to do--it is a business imperative.
By now you have heard the business case. By now you have seen many panels, speeches, and presentations that touch souls with the power to change hearts and minds. Many are convinced and have a desire to take action. That's the conundrum! Where to begin? What do we do? How can we start? How do we make change?
By now you have heard the business case. By now you have seen many panels, speeches, and presentations that touch souls with the power to change hearts and minds. Many are convinced and have a desire to take action. That's the conundrum! Where to begin? What do we do? How can we start? How do we make change?
DEI panel moderated by Sandy - October 2021
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In 2020, Sandy embarked on a journey to find the answers to those very questions achieved her Certification of Diversity Practitioner conferred upon her by the People Company Inclusion Institute (TM).
Through her studies, Sandy has created a framework for Retail Automotive Dealerships and small businesses to begin the work of creating an inclusive culture that will foster and encourage diversity. Let's do this together! |
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My Ally Journey
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My Ally journey began long ago. In my late teens and early 20's my immediate circle began to expand significantly. I worked in Baltimore City and lived in Sowebo (Southwest Baltimore). As I look back on my life, I realize that I've always been attracted to different. My friends, the people I spent the most time with, the people I lived with were from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. I was a regular at the Pink Hippo with my friends Tommy and Ty. I kinda had my own barstool. No one poured a drink like Jack and the fun I had talking with Auntie Gordon makes my heart smile today. Baltimore Pride Festival was one of my favorite celebrations. These were my coming of age years and precious to me. If you get to know me....perhaps I'll tell you some stories. :-)
Then my life changed and I went into recovery and began living my life with the 12 Steps. This part of my journey took me to Sarasota, FL. In Sarasota I began to meet many people in the large Latin community here. My daughter is Boricua (Puerto Rican) and once again, my life and the people in it are from many different colors, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations AND countries. My life is amazing and would be so much less full without all the people in it. I'm so grateful. As open and liberal as I've always been, there was something I wasn't really realizing. Oh, I knew there was deep and systemic racism and hatred out there. I was the recipient of "the looks" when with my Black Cuban boyfriend. When speaking Spanish at the beach once, I was screamed at to "Go Back to my Country". So, I knew. It made me feel indignant and angry when faced with it. I had (have) so much to learn. Growing up, I never had to think about race....in fact, when thinking of the word itself I didn't think of ME. I hadn't really thought about the privilege I enjoy. A privilege that I did nothing to receive except to be born to white parents. Then... 8 minutes and 46 seconds that changed EVERYTHING. Literally everything and was the catalyst that put me on a learning path. One evening I watched the Documentary 13th with my daughter. My tears rolled with the credits. “Mom, you need to find a way to use your White Privilege to carve a path for Black Voices.” |
Founder of Innovative Auto HR, Sandy Zannino, was named Tampa Bay HR Consultant of the Year in 2019. Sandy is an Inclusion Institute Certified Diversity Practitioner
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These were the words my 17 year old, LatinX, non-binary child spoke to me. Through my tears and while wondering how in the world my baby grew to be so wise at so young an age, I promised her I would do that. And so, my journey began. I’m not really sure where it’s taking me—this necessary journey—but I’m not really in the driver’s seat am I? There is a Power greater than myself—leading me—teaching me—guiding me. At the core of my journey are the wise words of my beautiful child.
2021 NADA Chairman, Paul Walser issued a challenge to the dealer body regarding the first of his three areas of importance in our wonderful industry--Diversity and Inclusion:
2021 NADA Chairman, Paul Walser issued a challenge to the dealer body regarding the first of his three areas of importance in our wonderful industry--Diversity and Inclusion:
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I hope you enjoy his remarks as much as I did. I also hope you take his challenge to heart.
I have come to believe we (automotive) must create some change in order to thrive into the future! Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging is how we do that. 
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