By Taiwo AKINLAMI

As the Franklin County Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Conference: Celebrating Differences & Building Inclusive Futures concluded on October 23, 2024, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, the Mayor and Council President of Upper Arlington highlighted the challenges immigrants face, the resilience required to overcome them, and the urgent need for workplaces and communities to engage with—rather than for—immigrants. Jeter, an engineer-turned-lawyer and author of the book IMMIGRIT, emphasized the contributions immigrants make to the U.S. economy and society, underscoring the importance of representation and equity in all sectors.

Representation and Resilience
Jeter, who became the first person of color to serve as both mayor and council president in Upper Arlington in January 2024, opened her remarks by reflecting on her own journey. “Representation matters,” she said, recounting an interaction with a third-grade girl who lit up when she saw Jeter’s photo on the wall of mayors. For Jeter, serving as a role model for the next generation was not something she planned, it was a responsibility she embraced.

“To be an inspiration for the next generation is not something you put on your vision board as a life goal. It’s something I’m living into,” she said, addressing the significance of seeing leaders who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

As both an immigrant and a leader, Jeter spoke passionately about the resilience immigrants must demonstrate as they navigate life in a new country. She highlighted the unique challenges she faced as an international student and young professional in the U.S., where visas, work permits, and other barriers created uncertainty in her career path. Despite these obstacles, Jeter persevered, earning degrees in engineering, law, and business, and becoming a trailblazing leader in her community.

The “IMMIGRIT” Spirit
Central to Jeter’s address was her book IMMIGRIT, a term she coined to embody the grit and determination of immigrants. “People often think of immigrants as takers from the economy,” she said, “but they contribute $8 trillion to the economy and wield $1.3 trillion in purchasing power.”

Her message was clear: immigrants are not a burden but a fundamental part of America’s success story.
Jeter shared a personal story about her first job after graduating from college, where her boss had never heard of a work visa but was willing to learn and advocate for her to stay with the company.

“We need more people like that in the workplace,” she urged, emphasizing the importance of having employers who are not only aware of immigration policies but who are also willing to work with immigrants to ensure they succeed professionally.

Working With Immigrants, Not For Them
Jeter’s keynote also focused on the broader theme of working with immigrants rather than for them. She called out the common assumption that services for immigrants are sufficient if they address basic needs like language training or financial assistance. However, she argued that true equity comes from understanding the nuances of each immigrant’s experience and working collaboratively to create opportunities that allow them to thrive.

“Too often, we assume we know what immigrants need based on stereotypes or assumptions,” Jeter said. “But what we really need is to work with them, to understand their unique challenges and help them realize their potential, whether that’s in education, the workforce, or their communities.”

She highlighted the need for immigrant-inclusive policies that consider everything from the multilingual resources in schools to recognizing international qualifications in the job market. The audience resonated with her call for HR professionals and community leaders to better understand the complexities of the immigrant journey and support their integration into the workforce.

The Economic Imperative of Inclusion
Jeter’s message was not just about moral imperatives, it was also about economic necessity. She pointed out that by 2035, one in five people in the U.S. workforce will be an immigrant. This demographic shift, she said, requires that businesses and policymakers take proactive steps to integrate immigrants fully into the economy.

“If we don’t get this right, we’re not just doing a disservice to immigrants—we’re undermining the future of our economy,” she warned. By fostering environments that embrace diversity and inclusion, Jeter argued, businesses and communities alike will benefit from the creativity, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring.

A Call to Action
Jeter closed her keynote with a challenge to the audience: to take the lessons learned during the two-day conference and implement them in their daily lives and work. She reminded the attendees that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants and that the future depends on how well we integrate and uplift the diverse communities that call America home.

“Thank you for the work you do,” she said. “Recognize that there is still more to be done. By continuing this work, we can build a truly inclusive future.”

Her speech was met with a standing ovation, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to push forward in their efforts to create a more equitable society.

As the Franklin County Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Conference came to an end, participants left with renewed energy and a commitment to driving real change in their communities, workplaces, and institutions.

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