If you told Chief Diversity Officer Keilon Ratliff 24 years ago that today he would be in his current role, it is something he wouldn’t say he ever envisioned. Yet, from the early stages of his career, Ratliff felt a passion for diversity, equality and inclusion. “Every part of my walk is about DE&I and embracing others as a people leader,” he explains. “Embracing my organization and making sure I’m inclusive is really how I am as a leader.”
Beginning his profession as a recruiter, Ratliff’s No. 1 goal was to help people like himself find jobs. “I saw in my early staffing career the opportunity to work with Fortune 500 companies, and people like me would never have an opportunity to even interview,” Ratliff explains. “So, I looked at it like a ‘cheat code’ to my community to get them jobs at different companies.” From those early days forward, Ratliff seized the chance to give back to his community, and his passion has never gone away.
In the last several years, Ratliff has led important organizational initiatives for Kelly such as Second Chance Hiring, which supports job seekers with criminal backgrounds facing discrimination. “When we get in front of a customer to talk about Second Chance Hiring, they’re reluctant at first,” Ratliff says. “But then to see their organization change and the lives they impact is very rewarding and fulfilling for me.” Ratliff is also a representative on the Inclusion Council, which works to ensure that Kelly leverages diverse perspectives and backgrounds in their approach to DE&I.
Outside of the business world, Ratliff has dedicated years to organizations like Big Brothers and Boys and Girls Club. He has also gotten involved in outsourced activities around inclusivity, such as becoming an ally to other diversity groups. Ratliff emphasizes the importance of continuing to expand learning outside of our own personal beliefs. “I’m starting to get exposed to things I never thought I would get exposed to because I’m learning and being educated,” Ratliff says. “It’s part of my journey of growth, checking my biases and my privilege.”
2023 DE&I Influencers List