Detroit City Wire

Marnita S. Harris, Vice President of Economic Equity and Inclusion at the Detroit Regional Chamber, shared insights on leading collective equitable action in the corporate sector during a panel discussion at New Detroit’s annual Just Lead conference on October 17. The panel featured Bank of America’s Estrella Crawford, DEI Consultant Freda G. Sampson, and was moderated by Wayne State University’s Peter J. Hammer.

The discussion focused on collaboration within organizations and between different entities to achieve equity goals. Sampson emphasized the importance of diverse voices in collaborative efforts: “The collaborations I’m most excited about are when we have the most voices at the table as possible.” She stressed that true collaboration involves engaging all identities in meaningful dialogue.

Crawford highlighted the necessity of having a clear goal and plan for achieving it: “Having a goal and a plan to achieve the goal. You can’t do this alone. We all have to do this together.” Harris added that alignment with organizational values is crucial for effective collaboration: “If you’re not in line [morally] with your organization … [find] ways to play well in the sandbox.”

The panel also explored "toggling" or code-switching in professional settings, where individuals adjust their behavior or speech based on their environment. While Sampson viewed it as a useful tool, Crawford noted its strategic use depending on context: “You just really have to think about being strategic.” Conversely, Harris expressed opposition to toggling, believing it could impede progress toward equity: “For me, toggling is straddling the fence … I don’t do that.”

Panelists discussed their motivations for continuing their work despite challenges. Crawford spoke about being strategic and prioritizing effectively: “When you have a plan, you have facts that you can follow…and then you can prioritize.” Sampson's motivation stems from her desire to uplift her community: “My ‘why’ is based on the ecosystem where I live… how can I lift my people?” Harris cited her responsibility to honor past generations as her driving force: “My ‘why’ is centered on being a representation of what people before me fought for.”