Shari Davis: Championing Diversity and Inclusion at CSC
Shari Davis: A New Era of Diversity Leadership at CSC
In late 2023, Shari Davis embarked on a new journey as the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) at CSC, a global IT powerhouse with 96,000 employees across 70+ countries. With an impressive tenure of over 18 years at CSC, most recently as Vice President of Human Resources, Davis brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Davis’ Philosophy on Diversity
Davis firmly believes that diversity is about fostering inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. She emphasizes the importance of representation at all levels of an organization, stating, “It’s crucial for individuals to see someone who looks like them or shares a similar background in higher positions, so they can envision their own path to advancement.”
The Attraction to the CDO Role
For Davis, service is a core part of her identity. She is actively involved in her church, leading a ministry for girls, and previously managed CSC’s National Women of Color STEM awards program. The CDO role allows her to combine her passions for serving others and creating inclusive environments.
Lessons Learned in Diversity Leadership
Davis has learned that senior leadership must genuinely believe in and commit to a diverse and inclusive workforce. It’s not enough to send out an annual memo; it requires full engagement and a collective effort from employees at all levels. She notes, “A few people can’t drive change for a large organization. It takes a village of employees—volunteers to lead and participate in efforts to achieve the company’s goals for diversity.”
The Business Case for Diversity at CSC
Davis highlights the shifting marketplace demographics and the increasing number of people of color as key reasons for CSC’s focus on diversity. To secure the talent needed for growth, CSC must attract and retain a diverse workforce. Additionally, as the workforce ages, there is a pressing need to cultivate the next generation of leaders in both technical expertise and leadership.
CSC’s Diversity Initiatives and Future Goals
CSC has made strides in increasing diversity in senior positions, with the goal of integrating diversity into the company’s core business practices. Davis aims to collaborate with human resources, corporate responsibility, and business leaders to ensure that recruiting efforts generate a diverse pool of candidates, particularly in senior leadership and college recruitment.
Engaging Skeptics of Diversity
Davis approaches skeptics by presenting the business case for diversity, focusing on how it impacts the company’s success and the measurable ROI. She believes in speaking to people in terms they can relate to and understand.
Advice for Aspiring Diversity Professionals
Davis offers valuable advice for those starting in diversity work: “You have to have a servant heart. All those things that speak to who people are—job satisfaction, employee engagement, community—are important. So you need a desire to create those kinds of environments. You also need to understand the business. And building relationships is key. Get to know your senior leaders—you will need them.”
For further insights on diversity and inclusion, you can refer to resources from SHRM, a leading authority on workplace diversity.
