Atlanta leaders express commitment to DEI efforts
October 2023 — Last month, at the Focus: Atlanta 2022-2023 Launch Conference, public and private leaders gathered to discuss how Atlanta’s focus on diversity, equity and inclusion has become one of its biggest strengths and why this focus will remain essential in continuing to drive the economy forward.
Atlanta is known for being one of the most diverse cities in the country. According to Data USA, the five largest ethnic groups in metro Atlanta are non-Hispanic Black or African-American (49.3%), Non-Hispanic white (38%), Non-Hispanic Asian (4.74%), Two or more races (2.43%) and Hispanic of any race (4.94%). Metro Atlanta also has a large foreign-born population, making up around 8% of the area’s population. Atlanta’s leaders recognize its growing diversity as one of the key drivers for the local economy, as discussed at this year’s Launch Conference.
Bryan Palmer, CEO of Georgia and Alabama for UnitedHealthcare, was the panel presenter for the second panel, titled “Driving force: Why Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion have become and will remain essential factors in the modern economy.” The panel was moderated by Patti Garrett, mayor of the City of Decatur, and featured panelists Kim Rousseau, principal and corporate interiors firmwide practice chair for Atlanta at Perkins&Will; Michael Baptiste, the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion for Metro Atlanta Chamber; and Kathryn McClymond, interim president of Oglethorpe University.