As a former NFL player and one of the few openly gay former professional athletes, Wade shares his own coming out process and the work he does as an LGBT consultant for the NFL and as Executive Director of the You Can Play Project, an organization with partnership with including the NHL, MLS, CFL and others.
When working in marginalized communities, the words and the language that we use matters, and how we talk about the young people we are trying to impact can determine how we show up – as social justice advocates or as saviors.
While working with marginalized youth at the Hetrick-Martin Institute, teaching at the Harvey Milk High School, and creating the country’s only inner city LGBT sports camp, Wade explains how to embody this idea of fictive kinship and see the promise in young people.
How do you define masculinity?
Wade defines masculinity as an imaginary friend, and if left unchecked, masculinity can be highly toxic.
Through his teachings and training, he’s learned we must do the work to unlearn the seductive nature of sexism and toxic masculinity, and move to create space for all without stigma and shame being attached.
Wade talks about the work he’s done to undo the constraints of perceived masculinity, and move forward in a positive way.
Have we emptied the true meaning of intersectionality by only changing the optics of organizations, without understanding the structural and institutional challenges that go unnoticed?
Through practical and tangible examples, see how Wade can help your business evolve into a space where diversity and inclusion becomes part of your organizational DNA.
Far too often we imagine that ending sexism impacts only women.
Yet if we re-imagine the gender roles and expand our understanding of masculinity and femininity, men benefit from the expansion: how they can show up in world without the pressures of performing toxic forms of hyper masculinity.
Wade explores his own dialog with feminism, tools to be pro-active about ending the sexist dialog, and leads conversation around the topic.
Former NFL Player Wade Davis is a thought leader, public speaker, and writer on gender, race, and orientation equality. Wade is currently the Vice President of Inclusion Strategy for Product at Netflix and has consulted for companies including Google, Procter & Gamble, Viacom, and others to co-create transformative solutions to build inclusive corporate cultures.
Additionally, Wade coaches senior leaders to adapt and flex their leadership styles to meet the needs and develop their employee population.
Wade is a Global Champion for Innovation for UN Women, and serves on the boards of MeToo International, the Ms. Foundation for Women, the MAD Foundation, Promundo, the Peace Studio, and Sparks + Honey. Wade is also a Global Champion for Girl Up, a program of the United Nations Foundation.
Wade Davis’s work to engage, educate, and help men understand what actions to take toward gender equality has included partnerships with the Ms. Foundation and Ebony Magazine where he launched the #BlackMenAndFeminism campaign and with the Ms. Foundation For Women’s #MyFeminismIs campaign.
Understanding the importance of engaging men around gender equity and equality, Wade built a ‘Men’s Gender Equality Development’ leadership program that launched with the United Nations in 2018.
Wade was the NFL’s first LGBT inclusion consultant and has consulted for numerous professional sports leagues on issues at the intersection of sexism, racism and homophobia. Wade created league-wide inclusive leadership strategies, led inclusion-training sessions for coaches and players, as well as built and launched national engagement initiatives.
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David Allison is a distinguished figure in the realm of human values, a global researcher, and a best-selling author, whose mission revolves around reshaping our comprehension of human behavior and interaction. With a rich and diverse career traversing marketing, research, and prolific authorship, David has left an indelible mark by introducing human values as a […]
Claudia Romo Edelman is a trailblazing advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, known for her passionate leadership in advancing social causes on a global scale. As the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation, Claudia has dedicated her career to promoting unity, empowering underrepresented communities, and championing Hispanic voices around the world. With over […]
Dr. Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins is one of the most electrifying voices in America dedicated to eliminating racial health disparities. Renowned for his dynamic storytelling and unwavering commitment to health equity, Dr. Jenkins challenges audiences to confront the systemic barriers that perpetuate inequities in healthcare. His passionate delivery and insightful perspectives have positioned him as a […]
Erica Dhawan stands at the forefront of 21st-century leadership, recognized globally as an authority on teamwork, collaboration, and innovation. With a remarkable blend of insight, expertise, and practical strategies, she guides organizations through the challenges and opportunities of our digital age. Named among the top 50 management thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, Erica Dhawan […]
Piers Kowalski stands as a beacon of advocacy, leadership, and inspiration in the realm of LGBTQ rights and inclusive corporate environments. With a fervent dedication to fostering positive change and championing diversity, Piers has carved a remarkable path as a professional speaker, consultant, and advocate. His journey is one characterized by a relentless pursuit of […]
Rachel Rodgers is the visionary force behind Hello Seven, a thriving enterprise dedicated to empowering women to redefine their relationship with money. As the founder of this multi-million dollar company, Rachel has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. Her accolades extend beyond the business world, as she has […]
Emily Best is the dynamic founder and CEO of Seed&Spark, a groundbreaking platform that has revolutionized the way independent films are financed, produced, and distributed. Her work as an advocate for equity and inclusion within the entertainment industry and beyond has positioned her as a leading voice in leveraging entertainment for social impact. Emily’s commitment […]
Jen Buck is renowned for her dynamic presentations and profound impact. With a career spanning over two decades, she has earned accolades as an award-winning Keynote Speaker and distinguished author, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Having delivered over 10,000 programs, Jen has touched the lives of more than a million individuals, inspiring and […]
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