Elements DEIB Booklet_2024

making change

diversity, equity, inclusion + belonging action plan

we are placemakers

placemaking starts with the needs of people – ALL PEOPLE

There is power in place.

Place has the power to unite diverse communities.

Inclusive places inspire ALL people across cultural and social identities to enjoy them.

Effective placemaking involves fostering a sense of belonging and celebrates a sense of self.

As inspired placemakers we will study, learn and advise to help in creating equitable design solutions and positive experiences.

“If your actions don't live up to your words, you have nothing to say.”

—DaShanne Stokes

we are passionately committing to an action plan.

words are just that — without defined and inspired action.

company culture

ONE is our employee culture initiative here at Elements! Comprised of three pillars, each is responsible for activism among the employee base and scheduling inclusive events.

elevate

Acknowledging the valuable contributions of every employee, fostering a positive work environment that fuels motivation and promotes a culture of appreciation.

community

Nurturing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our workplace and local community through support, education, and fostering open dialogue.

wellbeing

Enhancing the mental, physical, and financial welfare of our employees, fostering an environment where all individual’s distinct perspectives are appreciated.

Our purpose is to promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, through employee-led efforts that educate, connect, and celebrate.

employee diversity

Elements is comprised of six studios which combine to create inspired places in the interior built environment. As of May 1, 2024 we are comprised of the following:

264 total employees

White – male 84 / female 125

Black – male 5 / female 1

Hispanic – male 23 / female 9

Other – male 11 / female 7

Total women = 53.8%

Total minority = 21.2%

Total women and minorities = 75%

72% women in senior leadership positions.

59% women in director or VP level positions

57% women in manager level positions

57% women in all leadership roles

Who we serve, non limiting:

Cultural diversity, Racial diversity, Religious diversity, Age diversity, Sex / Gender diversity, Sexual orientation, Disability, Socioeconomic background / Class diversity, Education, Life experiences, Personality, General worldview / opinions

We are committed to consistent improvement, and will update and publish our metrics on an annual basis.

community activism

We believe in the power of community activism to drive positive change. That’s why we’re deeply invested in supporting local organizations dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Through partnerships with grassroots movements, non-profits, and advocacy groups, we actively contribute to fostering diverse and inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and heard. By collaborating with these organizations, we strive to create meaningful impact, spark important conversations, and pave the way for a more equitable future for all.

Organizations we work in partnership with:

• Downtown Denver Partnership DEIB Task Force

• CWCC DEI Webinar: Neurodivergent & Albeism & Current Trends

• Companies United Against Racism

• Equity in the Built Environment: A Colorado Coalition (EBECC)

• NOMA Colorado

• Food for Thought

• Big Brothers, Big Sisters

• Judi’s House

knowledge is power

An illustrated guide to using the tools of design to create feelings of inclusion, collaboration, and respect in groups of any type or size —a classroom, a work team, or an international organization.

The definitive account of the Stonewall Riots, the first gay rights march, and the LGBTQ activists at the center of the movement.

Isabel Wilkerson peels back the layers of the power systems that silently define how we organize ourselves to move about the world.

The book discusses concepts of racism and Kendi’s proposals for antiracist individual actions and systemic changes.

Belonging is the feeling of being a part of a group that values, respects, and cares for us. Through scientific research learn simple, concrete solutions for fostering a sense of belonging in life.

Powerful insights and practices to help women let go of their socialized need for perfection to make bravery a lifelong habit and live their most joyful life.

The book discusses racerelated issues specific to African-American males and mass incarceration in the US. The central premise is that “mass incarceration is, metaphorically, the New Jim Crow”.

Austin writes in breathtaking detail about her journey to self-worth and the pitfalls that kill our attempts at racial justice. Her stories bear witness to the complexity of America’s social fabric.

podcasts

Code Switch

Hosted by journalists of color, this NPR podcast tackles conversations about race head-on. In a recent episode, “A Decade of Watching Black People Die,” Code Switch discusses the events of the past few weeks.

All My Relations

All My Relations is a podcast hosted by Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation) to explore their relationships— relationships to land, to their creatural relatives, and to one another. Each episode invites guests to delve into a different topic facing Native peoples today as they keep it real.

The Future of Work

A weekly podcast hosted by Jacob Morgan. Each episode is an in-depth interview with both U.S. and international senior executives and business leaders about working in and running a business with current events in mind. The latest episode, How to Build an Invincible Company, which dives into the question a lot of leaders are asking themselves: Is there a way for organizations to prepare for uncertainties and challenging times in advance, so we don’t have to get to a point where these tough decisions have to be made?

The Happiness Lab: Episode 10: How to Be a Better Ally

We look at the psychology underpinning our reluctance to act and the ways in which we can match our moral beliefs with concrete actions. Featuring James Barr and Dan Hudson, co-hosts of the podcast ‘A Gay and a Non-Gay’. WARNING: This episode talks frankly about discrimination, hate crimes and sex.

get involved

Colorado Youth for a Change

Colorado Youth for a Change addresses barriers to learning by providing individualized supports throughout pivotal stages of students’ education journeys. Together with stakeholders, partners, and 23 Colorado school districts, we support children and youth from PreK through high school to maximize their learning and growth.

Denver PFLAG

Everyone has something to give when it comes to empowering, uplifting, and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ Community. When you Activate your Allyship as part of PFLAG Denver’s Volunteer Squad, you’ll join a group of likeminded and motivated individuals in a variety of capacities that builds community and expands definitions of love towards a more loving, just world.

Access Gallery

Access Gallery is an inclusive nonprofit organization that engages the community by opening doors to creative, educational and economic opportunities for people with disabilities to access, experience and benefit from the arts.

Food Bank of the Rockies

We provide food and necessities to people in need through signature programs and by teaming up with hundreds of Hunger Relief Partners to serve communities across Colorado and Wyoming, the largest food bank coverage area in the contiguous United States. We believe that for a community to thrive, every member must have the resources they need to flourish, and we strive to provide equitable access to proper nourishment for all.

placemaking the needs of ALL

starts with people –PEOPLE.

Elements’ beliefs and practices will demonstrate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging of all people regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, socio-economic status or position in the company. We will continue to look in the mirror and refine our organization to enrich ALL employees’ lives as part of our mission. Our actions will speak louder than our words. We will actively reach into our internal circle at Elements and out to our external community and industry with the intention to create measurable outcomes and impactful change.

We took the pledge to join Colorado Companies Uniting Against Racism. Together, we can elevate the role of Colorado businesses leveraging our influence to create more equity and combat racism in our organizations and community.