Five/20 is named in remembrance of George Perry Floyd who was murdered by convicted former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in May of 2020.
2020 marked a profound social turning point worldwide. Between the pandemic and the high profile state sanctioned murders of Black men, women, and children; individuals, corporations, higher education, and municipalities began to search for better ways to support historically marginalized people. As a result, the field of Diversity Equity and Inclusion exploded onto the professional landscape; it's mission was urgent, but the paths to implementation. impact, and sustainability were undefined. This lack of strategic preparation has led to the dismantling of DEI programs across the country, as well as high DEI leadership turnover.
We believe there is a mandate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and the fight against anti-Black racism.
There is now considerable pushback against DEI efforts throughout the country, and there has never been a more urgent time to regroup and recommit to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our goal at Five/20 is to help organizations recognize the systemic inequities in society and how they are reflected internally through work culture, policy and procedure. We are dedicated to pushing beyond performative DEI models, and we believe we can guide our clients in their quests to become better citizens, leaders, employees, and allies. We do this through data, education, and practice.
About Gina Beavers
Gina Beavers is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in American History at the Universities of Pittsburgh and Massachusetts Amherst, respectively. She is currently completing her second master's in Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice Leadership from Tufts University in Medford, MA., and she is certified in Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management from HRCI. She has served as a DEI panel guest both locally and nationally.
Beavers' background is in community engagement and communications. She has worked in media as a radio host and a newspaper editor. She is a published features writer for several magazines, as well. She has consulted with various organizations and currently serves as Community Engagement Consultant to the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation. Beavers has served on many boards and currently sits on the Focus On Renewal DEI Advisory Panel, as well as the Board of Directors of Radiance Hall Studios, both located in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania.
Beavers uses her personal and professional experiences as a Black woman and her robust education to critically examine and explore patterns of systemic inequity. She relies on the expansive language of the DEI field as a tool to demystify the feelings, words, and actions that create and sustain the deeply rooted "isms" in our culture. Beavers' knowledge of American history enhances Five/20's belief that data, education, and practice are key strategies for meaningful and holistic change. As a partner in change, with empathy and truth, Five/20 guides the client's journey to better DEI strategies in the workplace.
Through her consultancy, Gina has provided incredible insight into our organization. Her approach blends first hand experience with high quality academic knowledge in the areas of DEI as well as community and economic development. She is a welcomed advisor at the table.
Taris Vrceck,
Executive Director
McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation
