Learning company Pearson has announced the appointment of Dr Florida E Starks as SVP, Chief Diversity Officer.
Dr Starks will lead a cross-functional, company-wide effort to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Pearson; and serve as an advocate for these issues within the education and learning community. She brings more than 15 years of DE&I leadership experience, having most recently worked at ConAgra Brands and Best Buy. She is a published thought-leader in the DE&I community, with a track record of successfully scaling up internal and external programmes that promote inclusivity.
“Learning remains one of the most powerful forces for change in our world. Pearson has a unique opportunity as the world’s leading learning company to address the injustice and systemic racism that exist across society,” stated Pearson’s CEO Andy Bird. “I look forward to having Florida as a strategic partner who can help our businesses build a more inclusive perspective and culture; drive equity through our products and services; and help learners claim the opportunities they deserve.”
PROMOTING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
“Florida brings the energy, creativity and expertise to help Pearson ensure our employees feel a true sense of belonging; and learners see themselves in our products and services,” added Anna Vikström Persson, Chief Human Resources Officer of Pearson. “We are proud to welcome a leader of her calibre to build on the efforts already underway to promote equity and inclusion; both inside and outside of Pearson.”
In August, Pearson unveiled its DE&I Action Plan, developed by a diverse group of employees. The plan includes 50 board approved actions. Dr Starks will help build on these actions. They include:
- Making a major financial investment in a new talent recruitment platform.
- Hiring a new assessment equity advisor to ensure Pearson tests are free from bias or content that would put certain students at a disadvantage.
- Reviewing 100 top courseware titles to eliminate any bias and ensure they represent the customers we serve.
- Launching a new social justice portal on the Pearson website, with free social justice learning content; and a form to report potential bias in learning materials.
- Release of global race, ethnicity and gender content guidelines.
GLOBAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IMPACT
Commenting on her new role, Dr Starks stated: “We are experiencing a pivotal moment in global diversity, equity and inclusion. There is an urgent need to address topics that have been out of scope for far too long. My commitment to DE&I is grounded in opening this dialogue and celebrating individual identities while building a culture where each voice is amplified. I am thrilled to join Pearson to advance this meaningful work and look forward to collaborating with employees, learners and partners to further the impact of DE&I on our enterprise strategy; and on the ability to meet the unique needs of communities we serve.”
Dr Starks holds a degree in Human Resources Management from Lindenwood University; a master’s degree in Adult Education Management from Strayer University; and a doctorate degree in Higher Ed Leadership from Capella University. She is also a certified DE&I professional (CPD). She will be based out of Hoboken, NJ; and report to the company’s Chief HR Officer, Anna Vikström Persson.
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