Nicole White

What is your role at Avison Young?

Principal and Legal Counsel.

What does inclusion mean to you?

Verna Myers once said, "Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance." As someone who grew up in a predominantly white community, went to predominantly white schools and educational institutions, and worked for predominantly white companies, I know firsthand the feeling of being out of place - of being the only one in the room or on a team. And I have learned how important it is to extend myself to others - in any circumstance - who may identify with this feeling. To this day, I try to be intentional about looking for these opportunities.

What's an impactful way that professionals can be an ally for underrepresented groups in the workplace?

If we pay close attention, these opportunities are all around us. For example, there are often certain colleagues or team members who are last to share their view (if they do at all) in meetings. Before making decisions or concluding meetings, invite a colleague who hasn't shared their view to do so. Let them know that you value what they have to add. In addition, invite diverse perspectives into the room where decisions are being made. If you are not the decision-maker as it relates to who should attend a particular meeting, but you notice a lack of diversity, ask the decision-maker privately if it would be appropriate to invite more diverse perspectives into the conversation.

Tell us about the accomplishments you're most proud of across your career.

I am most proud of the relationships I have built with colleagues and business clients over my career. If I want to be a trusted advisor, and I want people to have confidence in the advice and counsel I give, it is absolutely critical to invest in building a relationship with them. Relationship-building is probably my single greatest professional passion and skill. I love people and people are at the heart of everything I do.