Ask Ashley: Diversity & Inclusion with Walker Williams
Coming up we’re going to be talking about doing right by people and what that means in life and business, and April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance month, so there couldn’t be a more fitting time to be joined by inclusion and autism advocate, Walker Williams, in our upcoming episode of Ask Ashley! For the past 11 years, Walker has been employed at The Walt Disney Company and has emerged as a prominent proponent of DEI&B initiatives. He is an active member of every Disneyland Resort Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), possesses an MBA, and is currently pursuing his Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership.
It can be difficult to establish a welcoming atmosphere where all individuals feel a sense of belonging. One strategy to encourage inclusivity is to share personal experiences and feelings with others. Building a genuinely inclusive environment is a significant undertaking, but being transparent and candid can help achieve this goal. By discussing our struggles, emotions, and life experiences, we establish a safe environment that encourages others to do the same. This not only enables people to share their unique viewpoints but can also cultivate empathy and comprehension among individuals from various backgrounds. Walker’s experience with his leaders at the Anaheim resort completely shifted his feelings of acceptance at work. By being open and vulnerable about being autistic, he no longer feels shame about his challenges and has become empowered to be a better cast member.
“Walker is such an inspiration to me. I love how he’s constantly advocating for himself and others and he’s always encouraging me to push myself”
“Walker is such an inspiration to me,” says Maddie Smiley, Director of Digital Marketing for Montgomery Entertainment and a close friend of Walker’s.
Another effective way of building trust when fostering inclusivity is by meeting people where they are instead of forcing them into a place they are not ready for. To create an inclusive and welcoming workplace, building trust is crucial. Forcing employees into unfamiliar situations can harm connection and understanding, so it's essential to meet individuals where they are and offer support at their own pace.
