Chad Douglas, founding partner and chief revenue officer of Primary Talent Partners, is committed to increasing Black STEM worker representation and believes that diversity in the talent pool starts with equipping minority students to excel in STEM education fields.
To make that promise a reality, Douglas worked closely with his friend, business partner and fellow DE&I Influencer Tinisha Bookhart to develop the organization’s flagship diversIT programs. “It’s a program that looks at foundational issues in the workplace,” he says. “Why aren’t there more Black people represented in the STEM workforce? Studies show that early exposure to STEM-related fields will significantly impact the numbers of Black children considering a career in STEM. Considering that our core mission is to increase Black STEM worker representation, we consider it an imperative that we engage Black children early and support them throughout their educational journey — from kindergarten through college.”
With that in mind, Primary Talent Partners developed diversIT Enrich, focusing on Title One schools, which often are made up of majority Black underprivileged children who may otherwise never be exposed to STEM. They host book readings and STEM bootcamps, and bring in Black engineers to speak with children about STEM careers.
The company provides scholarships to historically Black colleges and universities based on need and academic performance through its diversIT Scholars program. The program also provides summer internship opportunities in STEM fields to students who might not otherwise have an avenue to gain experience. Interns benefit from a mentorship program and receive housing and clothing stipends.
Finally, Primary Talent Partners’ diversIT Recruiting platform attracts top minority talent via unique sourcing channels. Once placed, talent has access to the company’s EAP and healthcare benefits.
2023 DE&I Influencers List