Sharon Smith-Akinsanya

Sharon Smith-Akinsanya is the CEO of the Rae Mackenzie Group, Inc., a diversity, equity,and inclusion marketing firm. Sharon works with top employers—like AndersenCorporation, U.S. Bank, Best Buy, Midco, Thrivent, Make-A-Wish® America and more—onDEI marketing strategies that attract, recruit, and retain Talent of Color.

In response to the ever-pervasive problem of disconnect between employers and career seekers, she founded People Of Color Career FairTM in October 2016 as a way of closing the gapbetween Professionals of Color and hiring managers. After experiencing continuedsuccess with the Career FairTM, Sharon sought out to create a 24/7 online solution whereProfessionals of Color can identify employers who are committed to increasing racialinclusivity at all levels of the organizational structure. People Of Color CareersTM—aproprietary equity hiring and career advancement program and platform—relies on thecommitment of employer partners (known as Equity Hiring & Advancement Partners) toensure that Talent of Color have access to career, promotion, and board leadershipopportunities and have meaningful interactions with employers that they may not havehad otherwise.

The best part about Sharon’s work is that it doesn’t stop after Professionals of Color getnoticed and hired. She goes further, assisting companies with their retention strategies. Inher up coming book Colorfull: Competitive Strategies to Attract and Retain Top Talent ofColor, Sharon provides readers with insight on how to prioritize cultural connectivity aspart of their retention strategy. She documents her work with organizational leaders,helping them understand how to maintain their competitive edge by strengthening theirsupport to Professionals of Color. Using her sphere of influence, she advocates from aninsider perspective, illuminating factors like how important a role community plays in aPerson of Color’s experience. In addition to pay raises and bonuses, individuals must feellike they belong.

Sharon firmly believes that the change she is creating with partnering companies willserve as a nationwide example of how to truly move the needle on DEI. Achievingsustainable results will not only stop the great exodus of Professionals of Color from theMinnesota region, but it will also serve as a model for others who are ready to seriouslyaddress the diversity crises in their own regions.

Though Sharon has faced discrimination and prejudice, she’s never lost sight of her visionand goal. She is relentless in her dedication to leveling the playing field for People ofColor. Eliminating racial disparities in the Minnesota region is what motivates her to keepgoing until the work is done. As she so fiercely states, “Every hardship has onlystrengthened my resolve that the work I am doing matters and that I am making adifference. Change is not for the weak at heart.”