Melody S. Mobley: How to Create a More Inclusive Work Environment

Throughout Black History Month, we honor Black people that came before us, who have inspired us and continue to persevere in the face of adversity.

But telling their stories isn’t enough. Follow along this month as we share what WE CAN ALL DO to continue their legacy beyond the month of February.

Melody S. Mobley, the first Black female professional forester in the history of the U.S. Forest Service, spent 28 years in an industry where she was constantly counted out. “As a woman and a person of color in a male-dominated profession, my credentials were constantly tested.”

Mobley works today to make sure there’s representation in the field. “If the goal of land
management agencies and conservation organizations is to have the broadest range of people devoted to their mission and of science-based stewardship, the gap needs to be closed quickly.”

Here are 10 things Mobley believes we should prioritize in order to create a more inclusive work environment.

1. Beef up recruitment of minority students

2. Supportive employers

3. Create an accepting/welcoming atmosphere among colleagues

4. Ending sexual harassment

5. Multicultural training

6. Inclusion from top down

7. Mentoring

8. Sharing the mic

9. Building community

10. Recruiting