Like members of a successful athletic team, the Army of the 21st century must be made up of all people, the former equal opportunity and program manager of the 3rd Infantry Division said Tuesday.
“When we talk about diversity, we are simply talking about including all people, talking about inclusiveness,” said retired Lt. Col. Shatrece W.B. Buchanan.
Buchanan was guest speaker for a Black History Month program at Fort Benning’s Marshall Auditorium at McGinnis-Wickam Hall. The theme was “How to leverage diversity to build a strong military force for the 21st century.”
After working her way up through the ranks from private in the Judge Advocate General’s office to company commander and West Point instructor, Buchanan retired Feb. 1, as a lieutenant colonel and started her own company, National Media Center Foundation.
She told a crowd of about 350 military leaders, civilians employees and children from Pinehurst Baptist Church Christian School and Kendrick High School, that you must have a voice in your organization.
“Diversity is not only about race,” Buchanan said. “Diversity is not action. Diversity is the totality of all things.”
To be successful, Buchanan said an organization must maximize the totality of all its players. She noted there may be only one person in your work place wearing a size 12 shoe or another who has red hair.
“Just because you are different does not mean you do not or should not have a voice,” Buchanan said.
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