Sharon Smith-Akinsanya is the CEO of the Rae Mackenzie Group, Inc., an award-winning diversity, equity, and inclusion marketing and strategy firm. Sharon works with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and top employers¿including, U.S. Bank, Thrivent, the NBA and WNBA¿s Minnesota Timberwolves/Lynx, Minute Media, Andersen Windows & Doors, Midco, Make-A-Wish® America, and more¿on DEI marketing strategies that attract, recruit, and retain Talent of Color. Sharon founded People Of Color Careers¿ Social Hiring Network, a proprietary equity hiring and career advancement program and platform. PeopleOfColorCareers.com is a 24/7 online solution where Professionals of Color identify employers committed to increasing racial inclusivity at all levels of the organizational structure. In Sharon's new book COLORFULL: Competitive Strategies to Attract and Retain Top Talent of Color, she provides readers with insight on how to prioritize cultural connectivity as part of their retention strategy. She documents her work with organizational leaders, helping them understand how to maintain their competitive edge by strengthening their support to Professionals of Color. Using her sphere of influence, she advocates from an insider perspective, illuminating factors like how important a role community plays in a Person of Color¿s experience. In addition to pay raises and bonuses, individuals must feel like they belong.
