Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Our Vision

• • To increase and develop the number of under represented groups working in the global digital infrastructure industry and build an inclusive industry to retain this talent

 

Our Mission

• • To drive awareness for the digital infrastructure industry and create opportunities, provide strategies and tools to bring the vision to life
  • Collectively leverage and build from the objectives of the MRG’s, accelerate common initiatives and drive action

 

Our Objectives

To bring to life our vision and mission, we have established the following objectives:

• • Representation – to ensure all member communities are represented through MRG’s
  • Awareness – promote awareness of the digital infrastructure industry and inspire the industry to focus on, and increase diversity and inclusion (D&I)
  • Education – share best practice and guidance to support members with entry into the industry or across the

Our Work

The purpose of the D&I Best Practice Guide is to help companies working in the Digital Infrastructure Industry introduce a D&I Program to help attract, recruit and retain people from diverse backgrounds and help promote a culture of inclusive behavior – irrespective of size, location, type of business and whether the business is established or a start-up. This Guide is based entirely on stories from people who have been on this journey and can help by sharing experiences and providing helpful insights and tips.

Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair

Charisse Richards has 25+ years of infrastructure and operations experience.  Charisse has held various senior leadership roles in the Data Center, Hospitality, and Government industries.

Charisse is currently the Chief Information Officer for the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, the country’s 4^th largest court system.  Prior to her current role, Charisse has served as CIO/Vice President of IT and Integration – Global Data Centers with Iron Mountain. She has also held positions as Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff, and Vice President of Global Initiatives at IO Data Centers.  Charisse served as Senior Director and Director of Systems and Database Administration at Choice Hotels International, where she and her team developed the infrastructure for ChoiceADVANTAGE©, the hospitality industry’s first cloud-based property management system in 2001.

Charisse has been a frequent speaker on topics such as diversity in STEM, leadership, and recruiting and retaining women in the data center industry.  She’s a former AFCOM panelist on Women in Data Center and has frequently participated panels on hybrid infrastructure and service platforms.   In 2018, Charisse was identified as TOP 5 Most Influential Women in Data Center.

Charisse holds a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University; a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona.

How to Participate

All iMasons members are invited to participate in our Committees, Member Resource Groups, and Local Chapters. To get engaged, sign into the iMasons App and select ‘Groups’.