Brave Conversations About Diversity in the Paper and Wood Products Industry
AF&PA Members Share Their Thoughts on How DEI&B Shows Up in the Industry
We sat down with Marcez Mitchell and Marlon Jones from International Paper to talk about diversity in the paper and wood products industry.
We asked for their candid thoughts on how they celebrate Black History Month, where they draw inspiration and what working in this industry means to them.
What Does Diversity Mean to You and Why Is it Important to Highlight?
“To me, diversity is the opportunity to succeed utilizing your talents no matter your color, national origin or sexual orientation. A level playing field. We need to cultivate and harvest diversity in order to achieve success.” – Marlon Jones
What Does the Paper and Wood Products Industry Mean to Your Family?
“This is my profession and way of life. My grandfather worked 50 years in a plywood mill in Texas. The plywood mill is actually where I got my start working as a summer hire trying to earn money to put myself through college.” – Marlon Jones
“The satisfaction that comes from this industry is in full alignment with my family’s culture. My great-grandfather began his career as a short wood logger. He and his brothers worked hard and eventually were able to purchase several hundred acres of land, which has become our family farm. When I had the opportunity to work in the forest industry, it was an easy decision to proceed full speed ahead.” - Marcez Mitchell
Who Has Inspired You Throughout Your Career?
“There are a lot of leaders who inspire me. I try to gain knowledge from them to shape my character. A few are General Lloyd 'Fig' Newton for being a trailblazer, Coach Willie Jeffries for his character and humor, Barack Obama for poise, General Colin Powell for discipline and aura and Leon Hardison for determination.” – Marlon Jones
“Luckily, I had a cousin with similar interests whom I looked up to that graduated from Clemson with a forestry degree. He used his education to be a force for good in our hometown and established a minority forestry camp for our local high schools. I am proud to celebrate 22 years of service with International Paper. I can wholeheartedly say I owe it to my cousin, Alex Singleton.” – Marcez Mitchell
What is Your Dream for Black and African-American Workers in the Paper and Wood Products Industry?
“My dream is everyone has a fair chance to compete and succeed. We do not need favoritism, just a level playing field.” – Marlon Jones
Read more stories from Black voices in the paper and wood products industry.
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