Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion in Utah: Comcast's External Affairs Director's personal story about moving to Utah.

• Author: Knight, Deneiva

WHEN I HAD A CHANCE to move to Utah for work with Comcast, I didn't exactly pack my bags right away. As with many other outof-state transplants, I had some reservations about moving to Utah with my then high school-age son.

I remember my first day walking in our Sandy office five years ago and being one of few people of color. A stark contrast coming from Tucson, Arizona where the office was much more diverse. However, many of my co-workers and the people I met as part of my community work in Utah surprised me--I consider many of these Utahns to be my trusted colleagues and closest friends.

Making your employees and co-workers feel included, accepted, and heard isn't just good business practice--it's a necessity. We shouldn't try and check a box when we hire people of color. Recognizing diversity, inclusion--AND EQUITY--not only helps businesses progress, they improve our community as a whole.

2020 hasn't been an easy year. Pandemic. Social injustices...How can we come together when things are so divided?

I am proud to be a part of an organization taking action to improve diversity, inclusion and advance social justice and equality. Comcast NBCUniversal announced a $100 million, multi-year plan to support social impact programs. As part of our partnership with the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, Comcast NBCUniversal is hosting a virtual Social Justice Speakers' Series over the next couple months.

The first speakers' series event was held in early September with keynote speaker Austin Channing Brown, NY Times best-selling author, where she explained the difference between being non-racist and anti-racist. She also provided guides on how to be an active ally and anti-racist. Following the keynote, a panel of local Utah leaders participated in a riveting Q&A which delved deeper into allyship. We had an amazing turnout with more than 800 people registering for the...