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S
ingleton founded the consulting firm Pacific
Educational Group in 1992 to focus on
racial equity in schools. A book, Courageous
Conversations About Race, and a seminar,
Beyond Diversity, followed.
“To be an organization exclusively focused on
racial equity, diversity and inclusion for almost 30
years is something to call out as significant in and
of itself,” Singleton says. “We’re not in a country
that embraces this work. It’s a country resistant
to this work and in denial of the importance of
this work, so to actually survive and thrive in that
way—staying focused on the disparities and the
systemic racism ... that’s a hallmark.”
In the last decade, his work has expanded
into industries like advertising. In February, the
Courageous Conversation Global Foundation
partnered with ad agency Goodby Silverstein &
Partners to produce the “Not a Gun” campaign. The
creative calls out systemic violence against people
of color, while a website encourages viewers to sign
a petition for de-escalation and unconscious-bias
training for police officers.
This year, Singleton says, Courageous
Conversation has partnered with the Lyndon
Baines Johnson Presidential Library in Austin,
Texas, to invite U.S. mayors to sign a compact thatengages their cities in a comprehensive effort to
address racial disparities and inequalities. This
effort will coincide with the launch of a national
tour in partnership with advertising agency Droga5.
“I think much of the work of change and
transformation in this country happens at the
city level—mayors are sitting with major crises
[like] homelessness, employment issues, criminal
justice, policing ... ,” Singleton says. “We’re working
side by side with those people in this very critical
city that hosts [160,000] people per year for South
by Southwest. This is the forefront of the work.”
Singleton met mentee Marcus Moore in 2007
when he brought his Beyond Diversity program to the
Oakland, Calif., high school where Moore was teaching.
In 2014, Moore joined the Phi Beta Sigma
fraternity, where he crossed paths with Singleton
again. Singleton provided feedback on a textbook
Moore was developing, titled Growing Into Manhood:
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum for African
American Young Men. Moore later joined Courageous
Conversation as an equity transformation specialist.
“Glenn taught me that my work, my most
meaningful work, cannot satisfy the moment.
Instead, I am charged to build for eternity.
Whatever monument I stand to make relies on
Glenn Singleton as a cornerstone.” —L.L.Marcus Moore | equity transformation specialist | Courageous Conversation
Moore calls his professional relationship with Singleton “the most valuable I’ve experienced,” adding his
mentor taught him how to be present with and for the work. “Most importantly, he’s taught me how to build
this work. Those who call for our services cannot simply engage in it. They have to accelerate it. ... And when
they do, their contributions fortify and sustain this mission in ways that will outlive us all,” Moore says.Glenn Singleton
founder and president
COURAGEOUS CONVERSATION
Ronnie Dickerson Stewart
chief diversity officer PUBLICIS GROUPE
S
tewart assumed the role of chief diversity officer at Publicis Groupe in
February, taking over from Sandra Sims-Williams, who happens to be a
2019 honoree—and Stewart’s mentor.
Sims-Williams was the “biggest, baddest mentor,” says Stewart, who
was previously svp of career advancement and inclusion at Digitas North
America and now leads Publicis’ Talent Engagement and Inclusion Council
in addition to her role as chief diversity officer.
“From the moment we first connected ... [it was] I respect you as a
human being, as a woman, as a woman of color—let me give you access to
learning and coaching to grow,” she recalls of her mentorship under Sims-
Williams. “Ultimately, I do serve as her successor, but the things she has
taught me, [like] access beyond mentorship and sponsorship, continue.”
Stewart has her own roster of mentees, including Ashley McGowan,
whom she has mentored the longest. The two met at agency FCB about
a decade ago, and Stewart now serves on the advisory board of Coalesce
Chicago, a nonprofit McGowan founded that seeks to provide resources
for diverse professionals in the communications industry.
“Being on the sidelines, being a cheerleader, is one of the proudest
things I’ve done, and [McGowan is] dynamic and will change the game and
continue to do so in whatever role she’s in,” Stewart says.
She is just as enthusiastic about her other mentees. “These are
individuals who I clearly see they have a spark, they know they have a
spark and whatever I can do, I’m all about it,” Stewart says. “And, for me,
it’s kind of important that I can support individuals in our industry who are
... making waves, making change. And it’s exciting to watch them work. I
want to shout from a rooftop, ‘Here are my mentees!’” —L.L.
Ashley McGowan | global business
equity lead | Facebook
“Ronnie’s dynamic coaching and honest conversations
have taught me how to protect myself from
ineffectiveness, leading to an ability to build and soar
in my strengths and passions,” McGowan says. “Today,
I am able to drive measurable impact in diversity and
inclusion because I effectively prioritized.”