Ginnette Harvey in her 15-year tenure broke through the proverbial glass ceiling as a founding member of SThree’s North American business, claiming her spot on the executive team and US board. As a “biracial [woman] from a lower socio-economic background, sitting on the board of a large company where not many people look like you hits different. The feeling of being the ‘other’ persists,” she explains.
Wanting to impact the work ecosystem on a broader level, in 2021 she founded Harper and Gray, whose mission is to help companies diversify their workforce.
Harper and Gray works on the basic principle that equity in the workplace is a right, not a privilege. It connects talent with companies that genuinely embrace DE&I. It brings more diversity into the recruitment process to develop more inclusive environments.
Harvey cites supporting and mentoring female leaders in the staffing industry as her proudest accomplishment. Through her executive efforts, Harvey supports the growth of women and minority-owned businesses by mentoring senior female executives and female CEOs. “Seeing the significant impact my executive coaching arm and leadership and development has had on some individuals, both in terms of confidence and competence, fulfills me,” she says.
Additionally, Harvey uses her position to regularly sit on panels, speaking at events and doing podcasts to educate and advance DE&I consistently. She reached over a million people who consumed that content through her platform in 2021. This year, Harvey will be leading the virtual taskforce for the American Staffing Association’s annual Thrive event. The program supports emerging and senior female leaders in the staffing industry and aims to create a world where everyone can thrive.
“A lot of work still needs to be done, but I’m going to be here to make a difference and create a world where everyone has access to equal opportunities,” she says. “A world where differences are not looked down on. A world where every difference is appreciated, respected and valued.”
2023 DE&I Influencers List