Black & Brown Panel: What It Means to Be a Person of Color in the Workplace

The Black & Brown Panel is hosted by the African American Alumni Chapter at Seattle University (AAAC@SU) for members of the community to discuss topics and issues relevant to the black and brown community of Seattle University. During our first panel in February, we will hear from individuals in the greater Seattle community about what it means to be a person of color in the workplace.

Topics of the discussion will revolve around the following questions:

1. How has diversity played a role at your company/industry?
2. Do you find it hard to find allies or POC in the workplace to connect with? And why?
3. What tips do you have for building your professional network?
4. What do you wish you knew, as a POC, when you graduated college that you know now?
5. Do you feel pressure to perform at a higher level because you are a POC?

Moderator: Duron Jones, '14

Duron is owner of the Innovation Tribe of America. Duron also serves as the President of the African American Alumni Chapter at Seattle University and Director of the Summer Business Institute at Albers School of Business & Economics at Seattle University. Duron has worked with both students and adults on college and career access & planning, international & summer programs, and developing innovative school models. Additionally, he was awarded the Spirit of Community Award by Seattle University’s Center for Community Engagement. Learn more about Duron at http://www.linkedin.com/in/duronjones

Panelist: Alicia Crank

Alicia is the Corporate Relations Officer at YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish. A Detroit native, Alicia has held several leadership positions in corporate banking, education, business and the nonprofit sector. She is now one of only a few women of color in corporate philanthropy. Alicia sits on the boards of Emerge Washington, Edmonds Chamber of Commerce and the Edmonds Senior Center. She is also a member of the City of Edmonds Planning Board. Learn more about Alicia at http://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciacrank

Panelist: A’Briana McKinnon

A’Briana is the Sales & Catering Coordinator at Silver Cloud Hotel. A’Briana graduated from Washington State University with her Bachelors in Hospitality Business Management. She hopes to soon go back and work on her master’s. She is a “people person” and love mingling with new personalities. She had the chance to study abroad in her undergrad and realized she also had a passion for traveling. Learn more about A’Briana at https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrianamckinnon/

Panelist: Charles Irons, '13

Charles Irons is the Controller for North Pacific Door Corporation. After graduating from Seattle U in 2013 with a degree in business administration and accounting, Charles went on to obtain his Certified Public Accountant license and now oversees the accounting function for three different entities. Being a man who enjoys reaching back, Charles is now looking to share his experiences and knowledge with the new generation of people of color. Learn more about Charles at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-irons-cpa-60077234/

Panelist: ChrisTiana ObeySumner, '13, '16

ChrisTiana ObeySumner is an Alaskan-Born, Philly-Raised, East-Coast transplant who moved to the area in 2010 to attend Seattle University. ChrisTiana has a BS in Psychology, a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership, and is currently pursuing a Masters of Public Administration. Their area of expertise and research is the relationship between marginalized and oppressed intersectionalities, access to basic human needs and rights in American society, and amplification of narrative in the legislative process. They recently ran for Seattle City Council Position 8 in the vacancy appointment process, and came in 2nd in the candidate forum straw poll. Learn more about ChrisTiana at www.linkedin.com/in/ChrisTianaObeySumner

Panelist: Kat Gaceta

Kathleen is the Northwest Regional Office Manager and Metrics Coordinator for UTC Aerospace. She graduated from WSU in 2010 and is a Pacific Northwest native and has had a focus on business and investments, and the tech industry over the years. She is passionate about social equality issues, STEM, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and the future of adult entertainment. Also, as a Filipino American woman, Kathleen is passionate about the impact of political and international events on our communities. Learn more about Kat at http://linkedin.com/in/kat-gaceta-37512052