“The difference between a job and a career is finding your passion.” That’s the mantra of Aerialle Crawford, MHR, the Talent & Culture Manager at Stanley Black & Decker. Aerialle is a native of Mullins, SC and a graduate of the University of South Carolina,where she obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in HR Management. She has excelled in her human resources career over the last eight years, hiring thousands of candidates nationwide across a variety of industries. In her role as Talent & Culture Manager, Aerialle designs enterprise employee engagement, talent development, change management, talent acquisition, and culture transformation initiatives at Stanley Black & Decker.
Aerialle’s LinkedIn bio calls her the “Olivia Pope of Careers” — and based on her professional and personal accomplishments that is the perfect descriptor. She is a standout recruitment leader on her team at Stanley Black & Decker, which recently earned a RippleMatch Campus Forward Award for 2022. In addition, she is the founder and owner of PINK Portfolio Consulting, which specializes in career coaching and motivational speaking. Aerialle uses her life experience and passion for recruiting to create opportunities for those in need, and this makes her a truly exceptional member of our community. We spoke with Aerialle about her accomplishments in the talent space and the inspiration behind her D&I work.
R: Why are you passionate about working in D&I?
A: As a black, disabled woman I empathize with the challenges and inequality minorities face within the corporate world. As a passionate HR advocate, I want to provide an environment where all of my team receives the resources to be their authentic self while exceeding performance expectations. Our differences make us stronger and there is so much we can learn from one another.
R: Can you share some accomplishments related to DEI you and your team have made in the past year that you're particularly proud of?
A: Stanley Black & Decker has established a racial equity road map as well as gender parity initiative focused on supplier diversity, community outreach, team development, and recruitment strategies. We've partnered with professional organizations such as ASCEND leadership, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), National Association of Black Accountants, National Society of Black Engineers, Prospanica, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Industry Partnership Council, and Urban League of Greater Hartford. Since January 2021, the early talent team has recruited at more than 15 HBCUs and more than 10 HSIs — in addition to being a corporate sponsor for several schools. We are a corporate sponsor for Campus Pride to attract and engage the lgbtqia+ community. We have a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to hire our veterans, military, and military families with an established buddy mentorship program. We have established a partnership with the Cherokee nation to provide early career resources and opportunities, as well as tools and supplies donations.
R: What D&I-related projects are you most looking forward to this year?
A: My pearl of wisdom to anyone starting a career in D&I is to be open to new experiences and knowledge. Something of consistency within D&I is being willing to learn from others how to be a better ally as well as have courageous conversations about difficult topics. I've learned a lot about myself and become a better person overall from working in the D&I space.
*RippleMatch is recognizing standout individuals in talent acquisition through our D&I Champion, Program Innovator, Outstanding Leader, and Rockstar Recruiter spotlights. Do you or any other standout individuals want to be recognized? Submit your information through the links above so we can reach out.