*MORE TOP WORKPLACES AMONG TRIBAL AND NATIVE-OWNED ENTERPRISES WILL BE FEATURED IN THE FALL ISSUE OF WINDS OF CHANGE.
In addition to the Top 50 Workplaces for Indigenous STEM Professionals, many organizations — large and small — are making an ongoing effort to advance a culture of inclusion. Here in alphabetical order are 10 whose determination to create opportunity for all their employees is making a difference every day:
Conspicuous DEI Markers
DEI — diversity, equity, and inclusion — is very much a part of the staffing puzzle at leading organizations. What’s more, because DEI brings multiple benefits to the workplace — we know that both prospective hires and prospective customers value DEI — it is likely to continue to be a prominent entry on corporate “Values and Goals” lists. But how can you tell if an organization is making a serious effort or just posting platitudes on its website? Here are some leading DEI indicators to look for:• Recruiters visit multicultural events to fill open positions and internships.• Internships are a pipeline for future diverse employees.• The organization’s support of diversity extends to an acceptance of different cultures.• Diverse businesses are well represented among vendors and suppliers.
Solidifying inclusion in recruiting, hiring, and advancing the careers of underrepresented individuals is an unflagging commitment at many nonprofits and government agencies as well as large corporations. Here are five organizations whose perseverance in bringing about a marketplace where diversity is valued and sought-after is notable:
In the Spotlight
The American Chemical Society
It’s one of the world’s largest scientific organizations and — founded in 1876 — one of the oldest. But when it comes to the American Chemical Society, size and age don’t preclude innovative initiatives or determined action on up-to-the-minute priorities. With a global reach that includes more than 200,000 individuals in 140 countries, the organization is serious about championing chemistry for the benefit of the Earth and all its people. Among current ACS initiatives is the Campaign for a Sustainable Future, which advances innovations in chemistry to meet the challenges outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Staffing skilled jobs in chemistry, now and into the future, is another ACS priority. The Skilled Technical Workforce effort is actively working to engage and recruit a diverse group of talented young people by supporting students, educators, and advisors at two-year colleges with information about careers requiring skilled chemical technicians. In addition, scholarships, fellowships, and grants are available to students, teachers, and industry professionals, among others, in a variety of categories. Every year, thousands of chemistry professionals advance their careers through ACS expositions and meetings, like the annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference. But not all ACS career enrichment opportunities take place at meetings; the ACS Institute is a learning platform organized into eight centers, like Leadership Development and Entrepreneurship Education. Each area is designed to help participants hone their skills. Visit acs.org to guess the “Molecule of the Week,” find out about meetings with themes like “The Many Flavors of Chemistry,” and read about other chemistry enthusiasts who thrive in this organization that believes “Your Success Is our Success.”