Page 36 - 2021 Westchester County Economic Development Guide

Diversity
Listen, Learn, Lead
The Business Council of Westchester and Westchester County Government share a commitment to making the Westchester a more inclusive and welcoming place to do business.
Westchester Forward
Eon S. Nichols, Esq.
SUPPORTING REAL CHANGE: THE BCW RACIAL EQUITY INITIATIVE
In response to the disturbing incidents of racism that led to many social justice protests in 2020, The Business Council of Westchester established an anti-racism task force last year to address the issue of educating the business community about a number of different topics, such as unconscious bias, specific anti-racism initiatives, and fostering a diverse and equitable community.
The BCW requires its staff, Executive Committee and Board of Directors to undergo racial awareness training and will also identify a diverse slate of candidates for all open positions on its board. The Council has created an Anti-Racism Resource Center that offers free programming for members and their employees.
Its recent Driving Diversity and Inclusion: Perspectives, Practices and Opportunities conference was an important program that included key business and human rights leaders who discussed how to drive diversity, inclusion and social justice in the workplace. The conference also created a resource of minority vendors and suppliers for all of its businesses to connect with.
“Our goal is to advance the conversation about racism with actionable steps to support real change,” said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of
Westchester.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Two prominent Black busi- ness leaders shared their experiences of doing business in Westchester.
Eon S. Nichols, Esq.,
Partner at Cuddy & Feder LLP
Eon Nichols serves on, among other things, the Diversity Committee of Cuddy & Feder.
The law firm helps clients identify and implement nuanced solutions to complex legal challenges in a variety of key areas – including Corporate Law, Energy & Environmental Law, Finance, Land Use, Zoning and Development, Litigation, Non-Profit Organizations, Real Estate Law, Telecommunications, Industrial Development Agency (Pilot) transactions as well as Trusts, Estates and Elder Law.
How does Cuddy & Feder advance diversity within the firm?
The diversity committee helps shape policies and procedures, as well as programming that highlight’s the firm’s diversity and culture - whether it’s celebrating the Jewish High Holy Days or Juneteenth.
How do you feel about diversity in the County?
The County could be more diverse. Usually at professional functions or networking events, you can sometimes see the lack of diversity. However, the County has made significant strides compared to many years ago when I started practicing law and being involved in the community.
What are some of the factors that impact diversity here?
While the County could be more diverse, there are several factors in play. I’m the guy who ran my firm’s summer associate program, and we would rarely get a minority student. Sometimes folks in the city think working in the ‘burbs is somehow less sexy. I know, because I was that guy – a city boy who went to Fordham Law. Now I love it here. This County has so much to offer. We need to spread the word so we can tap into NYC’s diverse talent pool.
Any advice for minority businesses making the move to Westchester?
There are issues all over the planet. There’s prejudice all around, but this is a very welcoming County. You can definitely succeed, it might be
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE