Diversity, Equity & Inclusion A Business Priority
• A special publication of the St. Louis American newspaper • PAGE 1
AUGUST 15 – 21, 2024
INSIDE Tara Foster
w w w . s t l a m e r i c a n . c o m
Ascension Charity Classic returns to support local charities Has raised more than $2.6 million since 2020
Commerce Bank , Rung for Women team up to help women Rung for Women is tackling the systemic issue of women facing economic, social, and health barriers to wealth creation. Rung guides women to pursue successful career pathways in high-demand industries.
The fourth annual Accenture Youth Golf Clinic will be held Thursday Sept. 5, 2024, at Norwood Hills Country Club as part of the Ascension Charity Classic weekend. Participating youth will represent local organizations, including Diversity Golf, First Tee of Greater St. Louis, PGA REACH Gateway, and Special Olympics Missouri.
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Employment
WWT recognized as ‘Great Place To Work’ Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine have recognized World Wide Technology (WWT) as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2024.
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Medical
Anti-DEI laws could make doctor shortage worse Experts say new antidiversity laws in states like Texas and Florida — coupled with the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision dismantling affirmative action — are new hurdles to increasing the number of Black physicians.
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Photo courtesy of Accenture
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American The Ascension Charity Classic returns to Norwood Hills Country Club Thursday through Sunday Sept. 5-8, 2024, bringing with it an established legacy of giving in the St. Louis region which has generated more than $2.6 million for charitable organizations since its inception in 2020. The Ascension Charity Classic is an official event on the PGA Tour Champions. The 54-hole stroke play golf tournament features 78 PGA Tour Champions professionals competing for a $2.1 million purse at Norwood Hills.
The event is designed to showcase the best golf for the enjoyment of spectators and to benefit local charities in the North St. Louis County area and beyond. All three official rounds will be internationally televised on Golf Channel. A highlight of the week, in addition to the world-class senior PGA event, is the Thursday afternoon fourth annual Accenture Youth Golf Clinic at 4:30 p.m. on the driving range at Norwood Hills. The Youth Clinic will provide a group of more than 75 young golfers the opportunity to learn and develop chipping, putting and iron skills and receive tips from a
See ASCENSION, page 18
Lincoln U’s gift of Gabb Ashley Gabb, former Estee Lauder DEI executive, now operates her own firm Special to The American In the heart of every university lies the stories of its alumni, each a testament to their institution’s values and the transformative power of education. Ashley Gabb is a shining example for Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. Her remarkable journey from a student immersed in the halls of Lincoln to a seasoned professional shaping the intersection of communications and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on a global scale exemplifies the impact of a Lincoln University education. Right after graduating from Lincoln University, Gabb started her career at LU, eventually becoming director of communications and public relations. She then transitioned to a role at Discover Financial Services, leading the marketing and cus-
tomer experience for some of the regional and community banks in their portfolio. Later, as the director of supplier inclusion and diversity for The Estée Lauder Companies, she ensured equitable participation across the supply chain. As a Fulbright Specialist, Gabb extended her work internationally, teaching communications and DEI at ISCOM in France. Her impactful work continued as she shared her expertise through teaching, advising, and speaking engagements. This year, she opened her own consulting firm, Gabb Consulting, focusing on connecting strategy to social impact through services such as DEI strategy and advisory, communications and storytelling, employee experience, and community activation. Photo courtesy of Lincoln University
See GABB, page 16
Ashley Gabb