3M has a proud history of putting our people first. As a global company, we are diverse by our very nature, but we are also intentional about making 3M a place that is inclusive: we welcome, accept and celebrate our true selves.
That is why, when there are moments that run counter to who we are, we listen, understand and act. In May of last year, George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis. That moment hurt all of us and challenged our spirit. We were outraged. Our Black/African American colleagues were devastated. We knew this time had to be different.
3Mers around the globe shared their personal experience around issues of race in an open, courageous and vulnerable way. Hard words. Uncomfortable truths. These resonated with me personally. We listened intently because we wanted to understand what we could do as individuals and as a company to promote racial justice and equity.
We took actions — in our communities, in our company and in our hearts — to do more to improve diversity, equity and inclusion, which are not only core to 3M’s values, but critical to our business objectives. We have more voices represented at the table, an environment where those voices are heard and valued, and we innovate in meaningful ways to meet the needs of our diverse consumers and markets.
Transparency and accountability are hallmarks of 3M and are at the core of our first-ever Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report. We know we have work to do and our commitment to transparency is a critical part of the journey ahead.
For 3M, and for me, this journey started with listening and seeking to understand and now must transition to meaningful action and lasting change. We are ready to do our part.