Stedman Graham to Lead Oklahoma Students in Diversity Leadership Workshop

Williams Foundation Funds New Inclusion Leadership Program at OSU

Oklahoma State University [OSU] and area high school students will receive a lesson in leading an inclusive environment from New York Times bestselling author, educator and businessman Stedman Graham on Feb. 22 from 3-5 p.m. at the OSU Student Union Little Theater in Stillwater.

Based on his latest book, “Diversity: Leaders Not Labels – A New Plan for the 21st Century,” Graham will facilitate his workshop, “The New Diversity,” aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and tools to meet their full potential.

“What is most important is breaking through labels and understanding who you are,” Graham said. “Realize that everyone brings uniqueness, talents and skills that add value to our experiences, work environments, businesses and communities. When you operate from this perspective, you will emerge in the 21st century as a true leader to yourself, to others and to society.”

The workshop is a part of the Inclusion Leadership Program, a year--long diversity program that pairs OSU students with area high school seniors. The program was made possible by a $75,000 gift from the Tulsa-based Williams Foundation. The students will work as a team to identify successful leadership qualities in local business leaders and implement those attributes through individual projects to benefit their community. The program was developed by Dr. Cornell Thomas, system vice president for Institutional Diversity at OSU, and is funded by Williams.

“We applaud the Williams Foundation for stepping up in a big way to make this important initiative possible,” Thomas said. “This innovative program will help OSU as we seek to become a more diverse and inclusive campus.”

As a company which seeks to foster a diverse workforce, Williams’ support of the program aligns with their own corporate goals.

“Williams appreciates and respects diversity in our workplace, and we believe that leveraging differences adds value to our company,” said Alison Anthony, director of human resources at Williams. “We chose to sponsor the OSU Inclusion Leadership Program because it is strategically aligned to recruit a diverse student body that we hope will someday join us at Williams in our workforce.”

The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

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