CREATING LEADERS Accenture’s first female CEO, Julie Sweet.
Diversity and Inclusion Start at the Top BY K A R I P U G H
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hree companies with Northern Virginia roots have made DiversityInc.com's Top 50 list for 2020, an annual process honoring diversity management in corporate America. Last year, more than 1,800 companies participated in the website’s annual diversity survey, which ranks the top 50 corporations in six key areas: leadership accountability, human capital diversity metrics, talent programs, workforce practices, supplier diversity and philanthropy. DiversityInc says its mission is to bring education and clarity to the business benefits of diversity. The website’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list began in 2001, when many corporations were beginning to understand the business value of diversity management initiatives. Local companies on this year’s list include Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce members Accenture, Wells Fargo and Cox Communications. 12
THE BUSINESS VOICE
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FALL 2020
# 5 : A C C E N T U R E , B A L L S TO N Last year, Accenture hired its first female CEO, Julie Sweet, and hosted over 240 International Women’s Day celebrations for 45,000 people in 48 countries, says DiversityInc. Accenture works with Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects to continue to help close the gender gap in technology careers. Accenture also hosts Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion Programs. The company also works with People + Work Connect, an employer-to-employer initiative that brings together companies laying off or furloughing people with those companies in urgent need of workers. “Accelerating equality for all enables us to attract, develop, inspire and reward top talent,” said Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Managing Director, Inclusion & Diversity Lead, North America. “There’s power in a diverse and inclusive environment. It creates a workplace that unleashes innovation and encourages our people to bring their authentic selves to work every day — so they feel seen and heard.”
