By David Brown
The co-chair of the LeadingAge Leaders of Color Advisory Board reflects on his career, which combines information technology with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Life has a peculiar way of taking us on unexpected detours that present us with opportunities for growth.
Throughout my career, I have made my way from the field of information technology (IT) into the transformative field of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) at a time when DEIB is becoming integral to the fabric of many organizations. Like IT, the DEIB journey requires adaptability, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to change. My expertise as an IT professional, coupled with my passion for creating a more inclusive organization and society, positions me to be an agent of transformation.
I haven’t changed careers. Instead, I have embraced a new and unique identity that aligns with my values and contributes to a more inclusive future. The unwavering support and trust I’ve felt at Edenwald Senior Living, where I serve as chief information and equity officer, has facilitated my personal and professional growth. It has also fostered a profound commitment to Edenwald’s mission, vision, values, and culture.
This journey led me to join the LeadingAge Maryland DEIB workgroup, which was initiated by LeadingAge Maryland President & CEO Allison Ciborowski. As workgroup co-chair, I am helping LeadingAge Maryland actively explore strategic avenues to expand our workgroup’s influence across the state.
My introduction to the national LeadingAge Leaders of Color Network occurred at the 2022 LeadingAge Annual Meeting. The remarkable energy I felt during and after the conference prompted me to connect immediately with Allison and to work with her and others to establish the Maryland Leaders of Color Network, which I co-chair. I also serve as co-chair of the LeadingAge Leaders of Color National Advisory Board.
I strongly encourage leaders of color and allies to engage with the Leaders of Color Network. The support, camaraderie, and knowledge exchange within this network are truly impactful and meaningful.
Recently, my DEI journey became a very local journey when I came across a local news report detailing the creation of a “Freedom Trail” 1.4 miles from my office in Towson, MD. Intrigued, I toured East Towson, one of the earliest African American communities in Baltimore County. I also learned that nearby Goucher College had initiated a Hallowed Ground Project to acknowledge and gain deeper insight into the history of the people who were enslaved on a 287-acre parcel of land once owned by the college. Edenwald Senior Living now occupies a portion of that parcel.
As with many historic neighborhoods, East Towson faces contemporary challenges relating to urban development, economic shifts, and the preservation of its heritage. Striking a balance between progress and the conservation of the area’s historical essence remains an ongoing commitment. I am genuinely excited about the work ahead as community partners—including Edenwald, the East Towson Community Association, and Goucher College—work together to safeguard and celebrate this remarkable neighborhood and preserve the invaluable history that connects us.
I’ve learned that life is a journey of constant evolution. We are not the same person we were yesterday, nor will we be the same tomorrow. As I continue my DEIB journey, I remind myself to celebrate victories and approach change and challenges with grace and courage, rather than being uncomfortable. Change has been a positive force in my journey.
I hope you will embark on your own journey of self-reflection and growth. Remember: When roadblocks occur, don’t turn around. Instead, continue on the detoured path. It may be long and difficult, but the rewards along the way are immeasurable.
David Brown is the vice president, chief information and equity officer at Edenwald Senior Living in Towson, MD. He is vice chair of the LeadingAge Leaders of Color Network Advisory Board, co-chair of LeadingAge Maryland Leaders of Color Network, co-chair of LeadingAge Maryland DEIB Workgroup, and chair of the Edenwald DEIB Committee.