The PayTech Women Black/African American Inclusion Group (BAAIG) was created in 2021 as one of four groups in the inaugural program of the Wnet Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council. The goal for inclusions groups is to offer a safe, informal place for members, interested parties and allies to network and share career experiences. Suggestions from members helped create the initial groups, with additional groups to follow based on member interest.

 

In 2023, FIS teammates Leslie Williams, E2E Program Manager, and Rhonda Davis, Program Manager – Technology, were the first-ever appointed co-chairs for the inclusion group. Their 2023 goals for the group are to increase member engagement, showcase member achievements and stimulate membership growth.

 

At the March 28 kickoff meeting, they introduced their purpose and mission statement to the members of the BAAIG.

 

Purpose: To have a forum that shares a common identity to meet and support one another in building community and a sense of belonging.

 

Mission: To empower by offering organizational support, access to decision-makers, fintech professionals, career development and growth opportunities.

 

Their theme this year is Making It Worth Your Time with the Five Be’s of 2023: Be Counted, Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Engaged and Belong.

 

Be counted by volunteering for one of many PTW Priority Teams.

 

Be seen by updating your PTW Social Link profile and LinkedIn photos. You become reality. Show them who you are!

 

Be heard by becoming a Mentor for a Minute.

 

Be engaged by becoming a PTW Ambassador to buddy up and welcome new members.

 

Belong by creating or joining a local chapter for in-person support and leadership opportunities.

 

The kickoff meeting ended with several important Calls to Action:

Their second meeting, in May, featured Anthony James, a new PTW Advocate Member and an ally of the Black/African American Inclusion Group. He is currently a Solution Consultant Manager at FIS and a leading expert in the field of technical, strategic business payments and financial technologies. With more than 15 years of industry experience, Anthony has vast knowledge in Ground Transportation, Retail, Restaurant, Grocery, Petroleum, eCommerce and Hospitality sectors. As an influential thought leader, Anthony is also known for his emotional intelligence and professional approach which allows him to stay ahead of the curve in the world of fintech payment technologies.

 

The theme of this informative meeting was Building Financial Resilience and Resources. Takeaway topics included Managing Personal Finances During Economic Shifts, Accessing Financial Literacy Resources and Support and Fostering a Community of Financially Literate Black Women.

 

The BAAIG is focused on navigating around Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) obstacles through education, self-empowerment and advocacy. “Knowledge is power and is also the Great Equalizer!” says Co-Chair Leslie Williams. The Black/African American Inclusion Group is cultivating a community where women can be their authentic selves, bring their talents and experiences, speak about complex topics and challenges and how to solve them.

 

 

Increased creativity, higher innovation, a wider talent pool, a deeply diverse board membership, improved decision making, stronger brand imaging, diverse strengths and abilities is what diversity and inclusion looks like in action. This is what the Black/African American Inclusion Group is striving to model.

 

The future of Black/African American Inclusion Group looks bright and full of purpose, intention and positive influence. Leslie and Rhonda are committed to bringing relevant content, diverse perspectives and a spirit of excellence.