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
- EmpowerED Student Engagement
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