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How This Head Of Diversity And Inclusion Empowers Individuals Within The Workplace

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This article is more than 5 years old.

Netta Jenkins, head of diversity and inclusion at IAC Applications, has a strong understanding of what empowering people in the workplace can do for the growth of the company. Her mission is to make sure everyone (all sub-groups) is represented at the table.

Netta Jenkins, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at IAC Applications

Netta Jenkins

IAC Applications is one of the largest technology companies in the world. The company consists of developers, designers, marketers and tech gurus that create products that simplify and enrich people’s lives. Jenkins’ role is to create an inclusive workspace for everyone at the company steering away from segregated groups such as women in tech or people of color groups. “Some companies create siloed groups,” she explains. “Those groups aren’t talking to each other. People who aren’t included don’t invest in the groups, and the majority of executives are white men in suits who aren’t part of those groups. My role is to figure out how we can bring everyone to the table.”

Jenkins’ journey began in high school. As class president, she created a program that encouraged students to discuss issues that they were facing, such as feeling not pretty enough to try out for the cheerleading team or smart enough for the debate team. She created a safe environment that allowed the students to open up and discuss how things could be changed, and to share their story with others.

Her ability to bring diversified people together continued throughout college. “I started my own business while in college,” Jenkins begins. “I cast individuals for different projects. Through various experiences, I realized I strongly wanted to create a safe place for women.” She dreamed of expanding her company on a global scale. “I really wanted to work with G-Unit. I cold called them for weeks. I finally found a person’s name in the talent and marketing department.” This individual told her to call back when she had worked with a big name.

Instead of feeling discouraged, Jenkins relied on what she knew best: how to persevere. She came up with a solid branding plan and how she was going to grow the business. “I called back and explained to him my plan,” she smiles. “He offered to meet with me. It was important to me and my then business partner that we always remained professional. We were going to break the mold on how women were stereotyped in this industry.”

During the meeting, they offered Jenkins the opportunity to handle the casting for a Lloyd Banks music video. In addition to music videos, Jenkins’ company also cast for New York Fashion Week, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and boxing events. “One thing we told the women we casted,” she states, “was to make sure to always remain professional. Professionalism is key.” Once social media became popular, Jenkins’ company was no longer sustainable. Clients could book their own gigs through the different social media platforms.

For close to 10-years Jenkins had operated her company. Her self-identity was attached to the success of her business; she identified with being the boss. Once she came to terms with the fact that she would have to find another source of income, she experienced a period of self-awareness. “I had this company,” Jenkins comments, “but it failed. It was a hard thing to have the identity taken away from me. I had to tap into my internal brand, which is being able to disassociate my job title from me, who I am. I really had to dig deep to understand what excites me. For me, it’s empowering people, creating safe spaces for people and creating opportunities.”

Jenkins used her knowledge of self-branding and the ability to pitch, and began pitching to companies for jobs. “I focused on the tech industry,” she says. “I thoroughly researched it. There were a lot of companies looking for technical recruiters. At that point in my life, I wanted to consult.” Within two months of accepting a temporary, consulting position at IAC Applications, they extended her an offer. “I liked the company,” she continues. “I like working with an organization that is open-minded. Tim Allen (CEO) gave me the opportunity to really thrive and a chance to bring people together.”

Netta Jenkins

Based on her experiences, Jenkins has learned that when pivoting it’s best to:

  • Be open to developing a new mindset. The limits you set for yourself will only hold you back. Try something new, challenge yourself, to help you understand how far you can actually go.
  • Read personal development books. Have a solid understanding of who you are and what you want.
  • Surround yourself with like-minded, positive people that want to see you excel. We’re so focused on what other’s think of us that we lose sight of ourselves.

From running her own business to creating safe, inclusive work environments, Jenkins has never lost sight of who she is and what she’s capable of. Today, she continues to have on-going chats with employees of the company and creates programs based on their discussions.

Update: After this article published, IAC Apps is now Ask Applications & Mosaic Group. Jenkins' title has been changed to vice president of Global Inclusion.

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