Diversity and Inclusion Starts at the Top

CREATING LEADERS

Accenture’s first female CEO, Julie Sweet.

Diversity and Inclusion Start at the Top

BY KARI PUGH

Three 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.

#5: ACCENTURE, BALLSTON

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.”

#17: COX COMMUNICATIONS, HERNDON

DiversityInc lauds Cox Communication for its learning and development program for non-executives designed to enhance performance, a sponsorship program that focuses on increasing the representation of diverse managing directors at the mostsenior levels, and mentoring programs through its employee resource groups.

“At Cox, diversity and inclusion are at the core of who we are, shaping how we connect with our people, customers, community and suppliers. We believe embracing transparency, valuing every voice, and respecting our differences makes us stronger for the long run,” LeVoyd Carter, Cox’s Executive Director, Diversity & Inclusion, said in a statement.

DiversityInc praised Cox Media’s philanthropy in helping restaurants during the pandemic by offering free television advertising for takeout and delivery. And in March, the James M. Cox Foundation committed to providing up to $5 million to Emory Healthcare for purchasing COVID-19 testing equipment.

During Black History Month, Cox Communications used its employee resource groups to share the worldwide contributions

#11: WELLS FARGO, MCLEAN

DiversityInc points to Wells Fargo’s work with LGBTQ+ suppliers as a major point in its ranking. The company also provides support to outreach organizations, including the Trevor Project, the Human Rights Campaign and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

On the philanthropy side, the Wells Fargo Foundation last year disbursed grants totaling $455 million to nonprofits supporting affordable housing and small business growth, the website notes.

of African Americans, DiversityInc said.

The Top 50 in Diversity for 2020 were honored this year during DiversityInc's first virtual event, with more than 1,350 attendees logging in to find out which company took first place. The winner? Marriott International, which moved up to the top spot after ranking second last year.

“We believe that embracing transparency, valuing every voice, and respecting our differences makes us stronger for the long run.” LeVoyd Carter, Executive Director of Diversity Cox Communications relies on Regional Diversity & Inclusion Councils to execute on company goals, including recruiting women and minorities through speed networking sessions and job fairs.

& Inclusion, Cox Communications.

“...companies must foster a culture that acknowledges and appreciates the diversity of its employees, customers and other key stakeholders.” Jimmie Paschall, Executive Vice President, Head of Enterprise Diversity & Inclusion and Strategic Philanthropy, Wells Fargo.

Wells Fargo says it has made a commitment to donating $100 million by 2020 toward the advancement of women and other diverse leaders, furthering social inclusion through education and supporting homeownership for those who may not have had access.

“Our world is becoming increasingly diverse and interconnected. Consumers and businesses seek to build relationships with companies and brands that demonstrate understanding of their unique needs,” Jimmie Paschall, Wells Fargo’s Executive Vice President, Head of Enterprise Diversity & Inclusion and Strategic Philanthropy, said in a statement.

“To be best positioned for success in this rapidly changing environment, companies must foster a culture that acknowledges and appreciates the diversity of its employees, customers and other key stakeholders. This requires intentional and sustained focus from all levels in the company.”