From the Shaker Green Room at RecFest USA, Julie Sowash, executive director of Disability Solutions, survived Chad & Cheese’s snarkapalooza to talk AI ethics, data transparency, and why hiring underrepresented talent is more than a checkbox exercise. She preached the gospel of blending tech with human connection (shocking, we know) and reminded companies that “diversity commitment” isn’t code for “nice press release.”

Julie also spilled on how 2024’s economic rollercoaster crushed some dreams but made strategic DEI even more essential. Oh, and she managed to keep things heartfelt, even shouting out her co-host/husband, Chad — proving love can survive even that much sarcasm.

Here are the episode chapters:

0:00:00 - Podcast Intro

0:00:25 - Meet Julie Sowash

0:01:03 - Key Advice for TA Leaders

0:02:21 - DEI Commitments vs. Corporate Retreats

0:03:46 - Ethical AI in Recruiting

0:05:34 - 2024 Market Surprises

0:07:42 - Overcoming DEI Implementation Hurdles

0:09:04 - Looking Ahead to 2025

Navigating DEI's Shifting Landscape in Recruitment