Amazon Exec. Latasha Gillespie Talks 'Applying Pressure' & Claiming Your Space in Upcoming LUNCH BREAK Episode
Latasha Gillespie might be the living epitome of what it means to bring your “full self” to work. Bold, unapologetic and sporting ALL the latest #BlackGirlMagic hairstyles, Gillespie, Executive Head of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Studios, Prime Video, and IMDb, has built her career and personal brand reputation around authenticity, honesty and claiming her seat at any table she choses.
Join us on Wednesday, March 31, 12:30PM EST for LUNCH BREAK as we talk with Gillespie on how she’s continuously applied pressure in her career to thrive. Click here to register today.
In her role, Latasha builds mechanisms to improve diverse representation of talent (in front of and behind the camera, above and below the line); dismantles longstanding barriers to success in the entertainment industry; and tells inclusive stories that are accessible and marketed to a globally diverse audience. Latasha created the Howard Entertainment Program, the first of its kind partnership between a major studio and a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Latasha previously led the Global Diversity and Inclusion Organization across Amazon Corporate where she worked with Jeff Bezos, updated Board of Directors, and met with Congressional members on Amazon’s DEI Strategies and progress. She is credited for the company joining the HBCU Partnership Challenge and creating Amazon’s Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) annual conference and curriculum.
Prior to Amazon, Latasha spent 20 years in Finance and Human Resources with Caterpillar Inc. She started in the Caterpillar Finance Rotation Program, with assignments in Treasury and both North America and Latin America Dealer Organizations. In 2000, Latasha joined the HR team; holding various positions including: Diversity Recruiting, Six Sigma Black Belt, Compensation and Benefits Manager, and Employee and Labor Relations Director for facilities in the U.S. and Mexico. She was also Caterpillar’s Chief Diversity Officer for three years prior to going overseas to be the head of HR for Africa, Middle East, CIS, Russia and Asia Pacific.
Latasha was featured in Forbes in 2020. Black Enterprise Magazine named her one of the 2019 Most Powerful Women in Corporate Diversity and she is a 2018 Ebony Magazine Power 100 Honoree. Regularly speaking on stages around the world, Latasha has been honored as a guest lecturer and presenter by Stanford University, the Hollywood Commission, the Recording Academy, the Television Academy, the NFL, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), and others. Latasha grew up in the Chicago area and received her degree in Finance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Latasha currently resides in LA with her husband Damion. They have two adult sons Damion II and Myles.