About B.U.I.L.D.

Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (B.U.I.L.D.) exists to foster a connected community of Black Red Hatters. Through strategic partnerships, we support the recruitment, development, and engagement of Black associates to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

B.U.I.L.D. Members and Allies
(Picture from 2019)

History of B.U.I.L.D.

Red Hatters are able to join Diversity and Inclusion Communities - also known as affinity groups or employee resource groups - to celebrate our differences and shared experiences. We know we can do more as a community than as individuals. 

  • In 2015, a group of Black Red Hatters in IT started meeting on a monthly basis to discuss shared experiences
  • During this time the Red Hat D+I community framework was implemented, we expanded beyond IT and the group became the first community to be approved
  • The founding members came up with the name Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (B.U.I.L.D)
  • We officially launched in July 2017 with Mike Kelly (CIO) as our Executive Sponsor.
  • Currently, John Chapman, is our Executive Sponsor.
  • Since our inception, we have grown to approximately 450 members and allies

Committees and Accomplishments

We have 5 committees to have achieve our goal to support Red Hat’s ongoing commitment to improving the diversity of its workforce.

  • Community Outreach
  • Social + Member Engagement
  • Comms + Creative
  • Education + Membership Development
  • Campus + University Outreach

Each committee work together to accomplish these projects annually.

  • MLK Day of Service
  • “We Are Red Hat Week” Activities
  • Black History Events
  • Social Justice Thought Leadership
  • Annual School Supply Drive
  • Holiday Cheer Event



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