Creating a Culture of Belonging: Expanding the Vision for DEI
April 27 @ 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM CDT
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What is our vision for diversity, equity and inclusion programs? If you lead an organization that is strategically trying to answer this question, you are in good company. A “program” might sunset, but our vision for the flourishing of our colleagues, teammates, and organizations… that is another thing altogether.
In this interactive session, Rodney Hood will present a biblical and practical case for why and how we should build strong bridges of belonging within our organizations. While many are thinking intentionally about the benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion, questions remain as to how to make DEI a permanent part of our DNA—an essential feature of healthy organizational culture and teams. A recent McKinsey study concluded that businesses and organizations that embrace DEI principles emerge as higher performing and successful. So yes, a part of DEI’s long-term success relates to its impact on the bottom line. Yet, there is more to consider than programmatic imperatives and financial end-goals.
In terms of vision, there is a moral and biblical mandate to welcome people fully into organizational and community life. Belonging, dignity, and justice are values that run deeply in Scripture and describe life together in the Christian vision of the New Heaven and New Earth. Rodney’s presentation will focus on why welcome and belonging are so important; how financial and other institutions are incorporating holistic inclusion into their DEI efforts; how we might recruit, train, and develop diverse and talented colleagues; and ways our organizations might advance a vision for justice and equity within and beyond our walls for the sake of our communities.
Rodney E. Hood
The Honorable Rodney E. Hood was sworn in as the eleventh Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration in 2019. In 2021, he became an NCUA Board Member, reprising a role he also served in 2005-2009, during which he was also appointed Vice Chairman. Currently, Mr. Hood serves as the NCUA’s representative on the Board of Directors of NeighborWorks America, one of the nation’s leading affordable housing and community development organizations.
Mr. Hood has also served as a corporate responsibility manager for JPMorgan Chase, managing national partnerships with non-profit organizations, financial regulators, and community stakeholders to promote financial inclusion and shared prosperity in underserved communities throughout the United States.
His previous experience includes serving as associate administrator of the Rural Housing Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he helped address housing needs in rural communities and administered the agency’s $43 billion mortgage portfolio.
Prior to his public service, Mr. Hood served as marketing director and group sales manager for the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company in Durham, North Carolina; as national director of the Emerging Markets Group for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; and as a board member of the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation. Earlier in his career, he worked for Bank of America as a Community Reinvestment Act officer and completed the management development program at G.E. Capital.
In other spheres, Mr. Hood has served as a member of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Visitors; as a member of the UNC School of Arts Board of Trustees; as a member of the Board of Trustees for the North Carolina Museum of Art; and as a member of the Board of Governors for the University of North Carolina College System.
His professional awards include being named one of the “40 Young Leaders Under the Age of 40” by the Triangle Business Journal in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is the first recipient of the “Dream Award,” given by the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation to honor individuals who have exhibited an outstanding commitment to affordable housing.
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Mr. Hood holds a bachelor’s degree in business, communications, and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.