Building Equity: HR & Housing with Maurice Barrett, SHRM (NYS HCR)

Ep. 6 In a time when diversity programs are under fire and economic equity feels out of reach, Maurice Barrett is doing the work where it matters most — in housing policy and human resources. Named the Top Diversity Officer in America (2025), Maurice is the Chief Diversity Officer at New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). In this episode, he shares how inclusive hiring practices, strategic HR systems, and equitable housing developments are powerful drivers of business growth across New York. Whether you're a small business owner, MWBE, or veteran entrepreneur trying to get certified, win contracts, or build a team — this conversation offers real-world insight on how to move forward, even when the system feels stacked against you. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why DEI isn’t dead — it’s just evolving How affordable housing is a foundation for entrepreneurship What career mapping and the employee lifetime value scale can do for your retention strategy How NYS HCR’s DECO division is helping MWBEs and SDVOBs get certified and secure contracts Let this episode remind you that the system may shift — but your opportunity is still out there. And now, you know where to find it. 🔔 Follow Elevating Enterprise podcast so you never miss an episode. New episodes every other Thursday. 🔗 Helpful Links 🏛️ Explore HCR Contracting & DECO Divisionhttps://hcr.ny.gov/opportunity-deco 📑 Get Certified as a NYS MWBE (Empire State Development)https://esd.ny.gov/ 🎖️ Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Programhttps://ogs.ny.gov/veterans 💼 Connect with Maurice on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricekbarrett Chapters: 00:00 – Topic Teaser 01:30 – Meet Maurice Barrett: Housing Leader, HR Veteran, Inclusion Expert 05:15 – What “Top Diversity Officer in America” Really Means in 2025 09:00 – Why DEI Work Was Diluted 13:10 – Affordable Housing as Economic Strategy for Entrepreneurs 16:00 – Programs & Pathways: MWBE & SDVOB Certification at HCR 20:00 – Maurice’s Journey: From Intern to Chief HR Officer Before Age 26 23:45 – Why Payroll and HR Are Not DIY Jobs for Small Business Owners 25:30 – Employee Lifetime Value Scale: Grow Your People, Grow Your Business 27:30 – No Ceilings Leadership: Managing With Equity and Intention 30:00 – The Coach’s Perspective: Building Grit, Agility, and Communication 33:30 – Final Advice for Entrepreneurs and Emerging Leaders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices