Voices of Diversity: Kim Pegula

Buffalo Bills

Opportunities missing in sports: Opportunities in upper team management positions are missing for diverse candidates. Sports has historically been slow to change, and women and minority candidates often do not have access to the experience necessary for team management roles. By showing our younger generation that a career in sports is possible we will have a larger pool of qualified diverse candidates in the future.

Call to action for sports: Any call to action needs to first start with respect. Respect every employee’s background, personality, perspective and the intangible traits that they bring to an organization. Employees look to the top for guidance and leadership and we need to communicate by words and action that diversity and inclusion is a priority, and then employees will feel empowered and encouraged to respect their co-workers.

Champion of diversity: Willie O’Ree not only broke barriers back in the 1950s as the first black player in the NHL but has championed the sport of hockey to all people ever since. This year the Hockey Hall of Fame recognized his efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport.