What is the American way? In essence, it’s a system that’s working just fine…for some…not for all. In this episode of "I Have Something to Say," co-hosts Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero have an exceptional conversation with an exceptional guest, Toni Hunt, Founder and CEO of The American Way, about how to combat socioeconomic barriers to deliver equity. "What I'm saying is, I'm not going to disrupt our capitalist society. I'm not going to be a hypocrite, right? We all benefit from the capitalist society. What I'm saying is, is that certain groups of people shouldn't be the underbelly just because their skin tone is melanated and their hair texture is more coily,” she says.
Toni discusses the inspiration behind naming her company "The American Way" from her lens as an economist, and how it reflects their mission to propel equity through exposure and barrier elimination. We discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, highlighting the need for genuine, impactful practices beyond mere performative actions. Through engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, Toni illustrates the critical gaps in current DEI efforts and offers actionable solutions to bridge them…so they are not canned. "Many DEI initiatives and programs are being shut down or questioned because a lot of times it's performative and it's not really delivering the impact that is expected when you bring into the fold that layer of equity,” Samí emphasizes.
Chris brings a personal perspective, shedding light on the importance of understanding privilege and the layers required to achieve true equity in organizations. "It doesn't have to be as scary as everybody thinks it is. If you are bringing in the right people, it's showing that you have the intention to change and to be better for your workforce and for your vendors and your clients and customers,” he adds.
It’s an enlightening conversation filled with wisdom, practical advice, and a compelling call to action for building a more inclusive and equitable future. As the nuances of creating equitable pathways are explored, the economic benefits of inclusivity and the importance of mental health in this transformative journey are also highlighted. So, whether you're a leader, an aspiring changemaker, or simply curious about the true American way, this episode is a must-listen.
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