YPC Meet the C-Suite with David Gould, Chief Diversity and Impact Officer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment

On November 17, the Young Professionals Council (YPC) held a virtual YPC Meet the C-Suite event featuring David Gould, Chief Diversity & Impact Officer of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE). HBSE owns and operates the 76ers and the New Jersey Devils, among other properties and venues. YPC member Taylor Venanzi interviewed David on a variety of topics including the work that HBSE is doing in the community to address systemic racism and David’s own career path.

David is a native Philadelphian who has centered his career in both the public and private sectors around the goal of giving back to the local community. Initially brought on as Executive Director for the 76ers Youth Foundation, as civil unrest grew following the murder of George Floyd and countless other Black people, David took the lead at HBSE and in their internal conversations about race and systemic racism within society and within their own company. Knowing that there was a great deal of work to be done in this area, David pivoted to his current role – a new position for HBSE.

HBSE’s approach includes both an internal push for diversity and inclusion within their organization while also executing an approximately $20 million philanthropic effort in the community, especially in underserved areas in North Philadelphia, Camden, and Newark. Their philanthropy touches on community development and real estate, supporting Black-owned businesses, and better access to health care and services for youth and low-income individuals. For example, in the Sharswood area of North Philadelphia, they are working on a community redevelopment project that will include affordable housing, a super market, an urgent care clinic, and other vital businesses. The project is being developed by Black-owned development companies. Within their company, they also launched a new virtual internship program, of which 60% of participants are people of color and 55% are women. They also formed ERGs in their organization to provide a safe space so their employees can be comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. These are just a couple of examples of how they are working to improve diversity within their company and industry.

From a personal perspective, David spoke about how his career path wasn’t a straight line, but that at every step he had support from great mentors who helped him to find his next opportunity. He talked about the importance of young professionals building a strong network to allow them to keep moving forward in their careers. For young professionals looking to make a difference in their own organization, he recommended that everyone become an advocate for the change they wish to see. And, within underserved communities, young professionals can offer their own talents and experience as a mentor or supporter. Lastly, David reminded everyone that we need to be kind to ourselves and practice self-care and not be afraid to ask for help.

— Zoey Toy, Communications Manager, Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association

Upcoming YPC Event

[Virtual] YPC Impact: Supporting Black and Brown & Local Young Business Owners
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Held via Zoom

Hear from the owners of local neighborhood businesses, primarily owned by Black and brown young leaders, as they share their experiences starting and running their own enterprise, in addition to the challenges and successes they’ve faced during a year of both economic uncertainty and calls to support diverse businesses.