Kesha Carter loves connecting with people of different backgrounds and cultures through work.
The diversity and inclusion specialist at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield in Rochester has led the department since 2014. Though the initiative is 3 years old, Carter has strived to develop its role within the workplace and in the community by partnering with local organizations that celebrate diversity. This year, the company was named a 2016 Great Place to Work.
“Diversity and inclusion in the workplace play an integral role in helping to advance the corporate goals and strategy,” Carter said. “Traditional business and management programs typically overlook this component. Transforming our culture is embraced and it’s the long-term commitment on the part of the company that makes this a great place to work.”
Last year, Carter created and oversaw the PRIDE in Leadership Development Program in collaboration with the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley and the United Way of Greater Rochester. The two-day workshop equips LGBTQ participants with leadership skills to position themselves as future board members of local agencies. She is facilitating the 2016 program this month.
Carter enjoys partnering with community agencies to spread Excellus BCBS’ vision.
“It’s amazing that in reaching our goals I get to be a part of making our area a better place to live,” she said.
As the youngest of seven children, Carter became the second in her family to graduate from high school and the first to receive a college education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and master’s degree in management, both from Keuka College.
About 1,700 of Excellus BCBS’ 3,400 health plan employees work out of Rochester, according to Jim Redmond, regional vice president of communications for Excellus BCBS. Carter makes sure that all members of the employee population are valued and respected. She delivers presentations at Excellus BCBS subsidiaries, meets with community partners to discuss the best diversity practices, and travels to Buffalo, Utica or Syracuse to discuss the initiative with employees in nearby regions. This fall she will lead a group of seven facilitators to present a diversity and inclusion workshop for all Excellus BCBS hires. Carter also connects with leaders of the company’s internal Employee Resource Groups employees who join together based on shared characteristics or life experiences.
“She helps employees develop leadership skills and encourages them to grow beyond their positions and departments,” nominator Joy Auch of Excellus BCBS said. “Carter also works with local nonprofits and brings their initiatives such as the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism program, to Excellus BCBS, to help make a difference in our workplace and in the community.”
Personal: Age 41, married, 2 children, lives in Gates.
Community activities/achievements: Vice chair of the Greater Rochester MLK Jr. Commission. Board member of Celebration of Life Community Inc., which oversees the Help Me Read Program at School 17; tutor with the Help Me Read Program; mentor with Operation Transformation Rochester; member of Black Women’s Leadership Forum, a subcommittee of the city of Rochester’s Black Heritage Committee.
Who inspired me: Years ago, I would not have thought of my mother as an inspiration because I had not experienced enough in life to fully understand how hard she worked and how her accomplishments have been huge for her. From her, I have learned humility, how to be independent, the importance of asking for what you want, how to plan for my future and how to learn from my past.
My future goals: I really enjoy the work that I do regarding diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I would like to be an adjunct professor in a business program at one of our local schools. A long-term goal would be to assist a company/organization that struggles with implementing or growing a workforce diversity program.
What I’m reading: Blink: the Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell.
My advice to someone just starting out: Don’t be afraid to take risks. Having a plan and following it is great, but sometimes the calculated risk pays off more than you would have expected.
Date: October 10, 2016