Seeking to enhance and expand the it’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), Sterling Bay has appointed Keiana Barrett as its first director of diversity and strategic development. Barrett will lead Sterling Bay’s efforts to develop and implement strategic programs that forge a diverse, inclusive community, culture and climate within the company through the continuous evaluation of potential barriers to achieving standards in DEIA.
“As Sterling Bay continues to expand its footprint in Chicago and outside markets, we want to lead by example and contribute positively to our industry’s progress in embracing diversity and inclusion,” said Andy Gloor, CEO. “Keiana’s deep-rooted experience and demonstrated leadership in building diverse work environments will help us move forward in infusing equity and inclusion into our company culture, in the hopes of influencing other organizations in our field to do the same.”
Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Barrett sharpened her skills as an advocate for racial and social justice, starting with a role as national press secretary for the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, a Chicago-based non-profit that pursues civil rights and political activism. She has also served as director of communications for the Congressional Black Caucus, director of development and external affairs for DuSable Museum of African American History, chief of staff at the 7th Ward Aldermanic Office, press secretary for Chicago Public Schools and most recently, deputy director for Heartland Alliance-READI Chicago.
“Since joining Sterling Bay, I have been impressed with the company’s commitment to enhancing diversity and fostering a culture of competency that serves as a model to breaking down systemic barriers within the commercial real estate industry,” said Barrett. “I look forward to working with leadership to continue making inclusion a part of Sterling Bay’s core mission and am confident that together we can achieve real change across the industry in coming years.”
Barrett holds a bachelor of arts from Illinois State University where she was elected president of the Black Student Union, as well as a master of human services degree from Spertus College in Chicago. She currently lives in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood and is a member of several mission-driven civic and socially-conscious organizations, including: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, League of Black Women, Black Public Relations Society, Chicago Association of Black Journalists, Jack & Jill of America, NAACP and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
