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Kendra Lee’s passion for equity justice was sparked while sitting in social justice classes at Syracuse University. Now, as the new Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Philadelphia Inquirer, she has found a way to incorporate that passion into her career.
“My career has really been focused on equity justice and how I can do that work through talent, human resources and (diversity, equity and inclusion) work,” she said.

While Lee always cared about equity justice, it wasn’t something she focused on growing up in a predominantly white community. Speaking to SU professors and other advisors changed that and taught her to embrace her identity and explore what it means to be Asian American. This exploration helped her learn more about her identity and goals, which has since informed her work.

While working in various managerial positions, Lee saw the need for a larger role for equity justice. She identified herself as a “status quo disruptor,” and was ready to push for change.
“Particularly as a woman of color, for me, you can’t ever be satisfied because there are so many things that can be done,” Lee said.
“So, in any context that I am a part of I’m looking to drive change to make wherever I work even more inclusive.”

A lot of Lee’s work is focused on leadership, another product of her time at SU. As a student, she was part of DanceWorks, SU’s largest student-run dance organization, which influenced her leadership style. Having to lead her peers in an extracurricular activity that was largely self-motivated taught her how to influence and motivate people towards a common goal.
While she didn’t go into a career in public relations, Lee appreciates the practical skills the program taught her. That knowledge now allows her to move smoothly between industries and find different ways to incorporate DEI.

With her new VP position, Lee’s main goals focus on three areas; culture, coverage and community. Concerning culture, Lee hopes to focus on the workforce and create a psychologically safe environment in which people can feel included.

In the publication’s coverage, she wants to focus on improving representation of marginalized communities within the Philadelphia area and ensuring that the stories cover the good and the bad.
One initiative that directly targets this goal is A More Perfect Union, which the Philadelphia Inquirer describes as a project “examining the roots of systemic racism through institutions founded in Philadelphia.”
The very first installment of this initiative looked directly at the Philadelphia Inquirer and how the institution has historically perpetuated racism in different ways, Lee said.

In terms of community, while still looking towards improving their relationships with their current audience, the Inquirer is now diverting energy towards establishing a sense of trust with members of marginalized communities.

“How are we making sure that these community members feel heard? How are we making sure that they feel like the paper is representative of their experiences and really making sure that we are in dialogue with one another?” Lee said.

While Lee has made waves in the industry, she isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and won’t let barriers stop her.

“I want to lead from a space of vulnerability and transparency because we spend so much time together (at work) and how can we not be connecting on that human to human level but that hasn’t been everyone’s work experience,” Lee said. “If companies aren’t focused on DEI I think, whether it’s their shareholders or their customers, they’re going to be held accountable for that.”

Published on August 31, 2022 at 11:29 pm