Forty Dollars?! 10 Companies Fostering Inclusive Pay, Leadership & Legislation
The pulse on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in corporate America is beating, but it’s pumping slowly and Black people are very, very tired. While companies continue to make DE&I pledges and commitments, progress reports reveal that the percentage of Black executives at the 50 largest companies in the U.S. are less than two percent. Below, we’ve highlighted companies that are leading in supplier diversity, non profit support, pay equality, diverse leadership and all the good things.
As a hospitality leader, Marriott has valued diversity since 1927 and continues to expand its corporate and global diversity initiatives. Marriott’s supplier diversity program, EXCHANGE, creates space for partnerships with minority, women, LGBT, disabled and veteran-owned businesses, and drives economic empowerment around the world. In the last decade, they’ve spent $5 billion with companies that are at least 51% owned, managed and/or operated by a diverse entity.
AT&T is killing it in DE&I from supplier diversity to funding future Black leaders. Their inclusive supply chain advocates for businesses around the world by increasing their visibility while addressing environmental, social and economic issues. Last October the tech company awarded five racks to select HBCU students that are positively impacting their communities as part of their Black Rising Future Makers initiative.
Knowing how many people of color spend their coins at Walmart, it’s great to know that their employee demographics reflect the communities they serve. Walmart’s U.S. associates are nearly 21% Black and women make up 30% of their leadership team. Their commitment to diversity hiring includes $14.3 million in grants to16 nonprofit organizations that address racial disparities in industries such as health, education and philanthropy. Side bar: We’ll address the company’s involvement with private prisons at another time, chile.
Salesforce implemented a Racial Equality and Justice task force to hold themselves accountable as they roll out their DE&I initiatives that target the four P’s – people, philanthropy, purchasing and policy. Part of their mission includes donating $10 million to software, training and certifications that empower changemakers to address the inequalities Black communities endure.
Slack makes sure their employees believe they can fly! Their Diversity, Engagement, and Belonging (DEB) and Rising Tides programs speak to their dedication to diversity and inclusion within their company. Both programs are designed to empower their employees by investing in their professional development centered around education, introspection, opportunity, and growth.
General Motors is one of the very few S&P 500 companies that don’t have any pay gap amongst employees in equal positions regardless of race or gender. They offer employees flexibility in when and where they work, allowing employees with demanding schedules such as mothers and college students to better manage a work-life balance.
Apple is easin’ on down the DE&I road. Currently, 43% of their leadership roles are filled by people from BIPOC communities. The tech powerhouse has diversity and inclusion accountability measures embedded in their annual review process as they grow their diverse leadership.
Mastercard is banking on Black with their pledge to offer $500 million in grants to Black communities, helping to close the racial pay gap. Mastercard is helping Black founders by expanding their city programs, providing affordable financial tools, services and resources to grow their businesses.
Accenture’s mission to sustain a culture of equality starts with an annual pay equity review. In 2021 they reached a dollar-for-dollar, 100% racial and gender pay equity in the countries they operate in, such as the United Kingdom and South Africa.
As culture makers, Netflix has an innovative approach to DE&I. In response to the #OscarsSoWhite shade, Netflix’s sub-brand, Strong Black Lead was developed as a media and marketing initiative to amplify Black creatives – and their content is LIT. In addition to the diversity in their content, 42% of their leadership team is Black.
