Juneteenth: NerdWallet’s Day of Learning and Activism

Today, NerdWallet participated in a Day of Learning and Activism in honor of Juneteenth. During a series of collaborative discussions, Nerds learned more about the history of Juneteenth, systemic barriers, and how to unleash the power of freedom to nurture a culture of inclusion and foster employee empowerment. 

Our day started with a keynote from Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Shaina P. , who she shared more about what Juneteenth means to her, including personal experiences from her childhood, noting that “it’s about celebration, remembrance, connection, and action.” 

During the second session of the day, special guest Kamala Avila-Salmon , Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate—Motion Picture Group shared her experience building inclusive frameworks in the workplace. She explained the importance of ensuring that DEI is intentionally built into content creation alongside marketing, distribution and creative. “If inclusion is a key part of the business and is a business priority, it needs to have a seat at the table,” said Avila-Salmon. 

In a session facilitated by Chelsey Kramer , DEI Program Manager, Angela Russell , Chief Diversity Officer, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at TruStage, shared her expertise and highlighted the importance of financial empowerment and inclusion for the Black community as well as the barriers that exist. “Part of our work is understanding how history led us here and what choices we can make everyday to move toward equity versus a continuous movement toward inequity.” 

 The day concluded with a panel of Nerds, moderated by Ekumene Lysonge , discussing what the “power of freedom” means to them. This session featured: Carmen C. , Channa Palmer, SPHR , Dee O. , and Erika Vanheyningen . 

Thank you to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team for leading this impactful day of programming, and to our guest speakers for sharing their time and expertise. 

#Juneteenth