Kyle Ellington Of The Oakland Athletics Shares Why D&I Work Is Crucial To An Organization’s Success

1Tell us about your role as Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Oakland Athletics. What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is unique, but I’ve been tasked to partner across all levels of the organization in developing, implementing, and tracking progress against ongoing strategic initiatives that enrich the Oakland A’s approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

I support our organization’s internal employee resource groups and diversity council, cultural acknowledgements & celebrations, employee engagement, recruiting & sourcing, supplier diversity and DE&I training initiatives.

However, there is never a dull moment and am constantly learning.

2You are the first to hold this role for the Athletics! Tell us from your perspective why this role is so crucial to the organization’s success.

Here are some reasons why I believe Diversity, Equity & is crucial to the organization success:

• Employee Engagement –Employee Resource Groups and Affinity Groups help foster a culture of inclusion and engagement which improves employee retention.
• Innovation – A diverse and inclusive workforce increases creativity, innovation & openness.
• Performance – Gender and ethnically diverse organizations outperform their peers by +25% and +36% respectively. Diversity provides a range of skills. By having an inclusive and diverse environment, it allows wider perspectives to be integrated when brainstorming, problem-solving and developing new ideas in business.
• Brand – Consumers are more likely to support social causes and are more likely to buy a brand when they do. 71% of fans support teams and athletes who speak out on issues of social justice and racial equity – 2020 ESPN Survey.

3Part of this role is helping to create a strong workplace culture where everyone belongs. What are the challenges of entering an established organization with the goals of change and adaptability?

I do not see this as a challenge. I see this as an opportunity to learn from others and educate employees on the importance of diversity, equity & inclusion.

With any organizational change or initiatives, there must be a strategic plan with buy-in from all levels of the organization. We have a great foundation at the Oakland Athletics and are committed to stay on this journey.

One of our earliest successes was our Diversity Taskforce creating a DEI Mission Statement. The Diversity Taskforce, which encompasses the Executive Team meets quarterly.

This taskforce brings together different senior executives that strategically execute DEI efforts and embeds inclusive practices throughout the organization.

Below is our DEI mission statement:

“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are rooted in our organizational DNA. Our commitment to these values is unwavering on and off the filed. Together, we continue to build an inclusive, innovative, and dynamic culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates belonging and amplifies diverse voices.”

To learn more about the work we have done – please click here.

4Prior to working with the Athletics, you worked for the Sacramento Kings as Director of Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion. What knowledge and experience did you take from that position to your new position?

The Sacramento Kings and NBA do a great job in amplifying and supporting DEI initiatives respectively throughout the organization and across the league.

My previous experience working in Human Resources and D&I has been very helpful in creating my strategic plan for the Oakland Athletics.

My HR background in recruiting, sourcing, and employee engagement has propelled me to be innovative and creative when thinking about how to create and support DEI processes and initiatives at the Oakland A’s.