Yuvay Meyers Ferguson, Ph.D.

Uncommon Voices 2021

Q: Why is now the time, and what do we “double-down” on to leverage this moment to take strides for long-lasting change?

The stress of living through a global pandemic has really highlighted the inequities that many marginalized populations experience in this country. It’s important for us to come together and continue working toward sustainable changes. The business community has an opportunity to leverage this energy to grow and create systems that empower communities and uplift underrepresented voices for the good of the people and the company.

As the assistant dean of impact and engagement at Howard University’s School of Business, a historically Black university, it’s important for me to be an advocate for my students and help to steer them toward the companies that are holding firm to the commitments to inclusion that have been made by leadership.

Q: For real systems change to happen, how must perspectives, and how we approach the economy and education, shift to meet the needs of an inclusive, equitable economy?

Understanding how systems that oppress people ultimately impact the economy is one of the key ways that academia can help to drive business down the right path. The energy that many companies and CEOs have around the need for diversity and inclusion is a good business decision. It’s better for consumers and it’s better for the bottom-line of the business.

This current environment of unguarded discussions about inclusivity has opened the door for companies to engage with universities that serve minority populations. And with strategic partnerships, academia can showcase the benefit of including these efforts with quantifiable metrics. 

Q: Where do you find hope in the work, conversations, and sifts you see happening, and how does that shape your thinking?

I am encouraged by seeing the business community rally behind Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitments. CEOs are stepping up and making pledges to do better and that gives me hope that we will see lasting progress that helps everyone to achieve more.

Inspiration curation: Share who or what you look to for inspiration.

As an academic, my students are where I find inspiration. I love to see theoretical concepts become concrete in their minds. There is a moment, when sharing knowledge, that the information connects and sparks intellectual interest. I love that “light bulb” moment and cherish them as my source of inspiration.

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