Delta CEO announces $2M grant to Atlanta-based HBCU Spelman on ‘Gaining Altitude’
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Posted By: Kennedy Williams on March 31, 2022 The Delta Air Lines Foundation announced a $2 million grant to Spelman College for the Center for Innovation and Arts as part of the Spelman Ascends campaign. Delta CEO Ed Bastian presented the grant Wednesday on the airline’s Gaining Altitude series. Bastian’s guest, Spelman President Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, tearfully expressed her gratitude at the episode’s conclusion when the surprise contribution was announced. The grant totals $500,000 a year for four years, helping fund the historically Black college’s integration of the arts into its already robust STEM education programs for women. “At Delta, we’re committed to investing in the communities where our employees live, work and serve,” said Bastian. “Mary and the women of Spelman do so much for the Atlanta community, and that’s why it’s a huge honor for me to announce this grant.” The announcement was the culmination of a wide-ranging conversation between the two leaders about removing diversity barriers in the workplace and the importance of inclusivity. The conversation is the latest in Delta’s efforts to spotlight the importance of actively seeking diversity, boldly pursuing equity and consciously promoting inclusion. "I think it is extremely important not to relegate the conversation about DEI to just crises. It's got to be part of the ongoing mission of whatever company or organization makes that its centerpiece,” Dr. Campbell said. “There has to be clear goals and objectives for bringing people into the company, for having people develop in the company, for having them move up in the company, for having them be able to participate in a meaningful way. I think DEI has to be part of the DNA." Dr. Campbell is the 10th president of Spelman College and has spent her career driving forward diversity, equity and inclusion. From piloting the accreditation of the country’s first Black fine arts museum to being vice-chair of President Barack Obama’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, Campbell has built her career on uplifting women in the arts. During her time at Spelman, Campbell launched Imagine. Invent. Ascend, a strategic vision to ensure every Spelman student graduates with a competitive edge. She previously announced that she plans to retire at the end of this academic year. Gaining Altitude is an enlightening series of conversations worth navigating, connecting people while building understanding around the globe. Bastian hosts the one-on-one discussions with insightful leaders, covering topics including diversity, equity and inclusion, servant leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability and mental health. Campbell was the sixth guest invited by Bastian to appear on Gaining Altitude. The series premiered featuring Tristan Walker, the founder and CEO of Walker and Company Brands and the founder of the nonprofit Code2040. SOURCE: Delta Air Lines If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
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