Diversity, Equity And Inclusion - Practices In The Workplace

Public Risk Management

This week our speaker, James Curbeam, CPCU, ARM, AIC, is the director of risk management for the Las Vegas Valley Water District. He holds a B.S. in finance from Creighton University and an executive MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha. James shares how to make greater progress as a society and individually for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Witnessing firsthand the lack of diversity on panels, he illustrates that progress cannot be made; rather having discussions that tackle solutions require uncomfortable and honest conversations between company leaders and disenfranchised individuals. Addressing minority advancement within the workplace, specifically in the insurance industry he shares the two key components are networking and opportunity. In order for minorities to advance they need to be in a position to network in order to build key relationships and be considered for opportunities. The second factor, opportunities are most readily available in attending conferences, which are typically available to senior level positions within companies. This obstructs junior level employees, more commonly filled by minority individuals, from advancing within the industry. He also shares the foundational policies to be implemented in the workplace, and elaborates on what needs to happen to create lasting change.