Hi, I’m t. tara turk-haynes.

I believe storytelling is a strategic tool. It shapes culture, influences decision making, and determines how organizations grow.

Workplaces operate the same way. They are strongest when systems are designed so people can contribute clearly, consistently, and at scale. My work focuses on building those systems, where equity is not an initiative or aspiration, but a functional advantage that strengthens performance and accountability.

As the Founder of Equity Activations, I partner with organizations to embed measurable equity strategies into how they hire, lead, and grow. My work spans talent acquisition systems, leadership development, organizational culture, and inclusive communications. The goal is not intention. The goal is durable, data informed impact that holds through growth and change.

Before launching Equity Activations, I built and led people systems inside organizations, reshaping how talent is attracted, developed, and retained. That experience informs my work today, combining strategic rigor with creative execution to design frameworks that outlast individual leaders and one time initiatives.

My work and thought leadership have been featured in Fast Company, Lars Schmidt’s Redefining HR, and on stages including Culture Amp’s Culture First and RecFest. I have also been a featured guest on podcasts such as Workfluencer, Purple Acorn, Disability Solutions, and I Hate It Here, where I speak about building equitable systems, leadership through storytelling, and the operational realities behind inclusion.

As a first generation college graduate and corporate leader turned founder, I work with organizations ready to take equity seriously as infrastructure. This is about building workplaces where clarity, innovation, and strategy are embedded into how work actually gets done.

- T. Tara Turk-Haynes - Founder/Consultant

tara@equityactivations.com

Photo by Damu Malik Photography

Let's chat!

Speaking.

Photo by Tameka Allen @ RecFest 2025

Topics:

The fact that we are here and that I speak these words is an attempt to break that silence and bridge some of those differences between us, for it is not difference which immobilizes us, but silence. And there are so many silences to be broken. - Audre Lorde

Guest speaking creates shared understanding and momentum when it is grounded in purpose. My talks use storytelling to translate lived experience into insight leaders can act on and organizations can scale.

These talks are designed for leaders who want measurable outcomes, not motivation. Each session focuses on the systems and decisions that shape performance, equity, and long term success.

Book Me!

  • Talent Acquisition as Infrastructure
    How operational design drives hiring outcomes and business performance

  • Leadership That Scales
    Why inclusion is built through structure, not intent

  • The Cost of Singular Leadership
    What homogenous executive teams miss and how it shows up in results

  • Equitable Operations Are Not Optional
    The systems that determine whether organizations hold under pressure

  • Professional Communities, Not Corporate Families
    Designing workplaces built on clarity, accountability, and trust

  • Performative Efforts Are Expensive
    What actionable allyship actually changes inside organizations

Testimonies.

  • “T. Tara Turk-Haynes is more than a DEI Consultant. It goes without saying that she is an expert in historical context around diversity, equity, and inclusion, but she also dives into the way that we as humans interact, how our brains work, why we think the things we may think, and how we can work together and collaboratively to be better. The way that she facilitates a room of executives, employees, consultants, HR leaders, etc is like watching a wizard wave a wand; it's indescribable that talent she has for weaving together humanity with business in a manner that allows for both safety and curiosity.” - Anessa Fike, Fractional Leader/Author

  • “..I am a practitioner and am well aware of how important it is for those that operate in this space to bring their stick to the fire (African proverb). T.Tara embodies that with grace, insight, and poise.  Her ability to draw in participants, distill direction/recommendation, tease out gaps and missteps is artful.  Which in most times, especially now, is a gift that cannot be overlooked…” Torin Ellis, founder of the torn ellis brand

  • “Partnering with T. Tara Turk-Haynes is a game-changer. Her deep expertise and genuine passion for equity shine through in every aspect of her work. Tara’s professionalism and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in driving our initiatives forward. Her insights and guidance are invaluable, and her unwavering commitment to inclusivity makes her an exceptional ally. Working with Tara is always transformative experience.” - Rocki Howard, Founder/Chief Diversiologist of Diversiology. lO

  • “Tara is my go-to person for all things DEI. I like that she understands the theory, but I LOVE that she's a practitioner. It's hard to find someone who understands how to implement equitable practices in a way that is realistic and conducive to running a business. Tara knows how to do this because she is close to the actual work of Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement, and day-to-day People Operations. That's why when I want advice that goes beyond what sounds good, I turn to Tara; she gives advice that you can actually implement.” Rhona Pierce, Trainer/Speaker/Talent Acquisition Expert

  • “Tara is my first call when someone asks for DEI activation and facilitation of education not just because of her expertise. It's her heart. It's how she looks at issues. How she connects with leadership. How she tells the story that brings everyone along the journey. She is the energy organizations have needed to create change in corporate America. I could not recommend working with her more.” Katrina Kibben, Three Ears Media

  • “Tara is a powerhouse in the HR and DEI space, known for her ability to captivate audiences with her insights and advocacy. As a keynote speaker and practitioner, she not only knows her talk but consistently backs it up with data and research. As a co-emcee of our Culture First Global Leaders Forum, a contributor to our thought leadership content, and an engaging panelist, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion. Tara’s unique ability to champion the underdog and articulate transformative ideas makes her a standout leader and an invaluable voice in our community. When she speaks, people listen. And her big chunky glasses have become a staple!”  - DeMario Bell, Community Builder/Evangelist