Guest Commentator: Ángeles Valenciano, CEO, National Diversity Council @NDC_Diversity
What immediate steps can employers take to combat racial injustice?
Employers should work towards the advocacy of diversity and inclusion for all of their employees and be forthright in their stance against racial injustice. They can do this by being inclusive in their messaging and equitable in their business practices as change starts with leadership and affects how employees view their workplace experiences. In response, we have launched the National Coalition for Racial Justice and Equity, which aims to advance racial equity for all to transform our nation and achieve social justice.
Furthermore, employers should focus on transparency and awareness as it relates to diversity and inclusion by rising to the occasion and taking the lead. Companies should invest in efforts to address racial injustice within the community at all levels. Business leaders play an essential role in acknowledging the impact of systemic racism in the larger society and how racism permeates systems, processes, and practices within the workplace. Their commitment to addressing this issue and their intention to substantive change will be essential to ensuring we achieve true racial justice.
The Chamber positions diversity, equity, and inclusion as critical for business maturation and growth. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative drives economic competitiveness, highlights diverse employee populations, and promotes inclusive growth throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
