Coming up in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years, I haven’t always experienced inclusivity. At times, you just learned to avoid certain people and/or certain events because you didn’t know how you were going to be perceived, treated or responded to at any given moment.

Some people from underrepresented groups may stay separated, quiet and sometimes avoid getting to know their coworkers altogether.

After joining Circle in Spring of 2021, I was asked to be a part of RHP’s 2021-2022 Diversity and Inclusion Council and share my experiences. I noticed immediately how much the diversity and inclusion bar has been raised among young people in the past decade. It was a proud moment. I believe it will continue to get better and I’m happy to see RHP on that path.

Diversity and Inclusion is a bit of a boulder in the Country Music Industry but we’re moving in the right direction. It’s not just about implementing programs like OPEN, but also integrating them into the culture.

OPEN is an important program because I think reaching out and connecting with other people is first and foremost in being open and inclusive. No matter what it is—setting up a luncheon, starting a walking group, or asking a co-worker if they need help with something—those things can make a huge difference for someone.