The commitment of the DEI Committee is to nurture a culture of belonging and directly address issues that impact the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, especially among people from marginalized communities. The committee makes continued recommendations and holds themselves and fellow community members accountable to our vision and values.

As the committee grows, it remains true to its core values, acknowledging and celebrating the many different identities among Fortune community members and creating a space where staff and participants alike can feel respected and appreciated.

Alisha  

Since its founding in 2020, Alisha has remained a dedicated member of the DEI Committee, and she is proud to have seen significant growth within the organization over the last few years. At its start, many staff members questioned what DEI meant and how it would benefit the organization. While the committee’s initial goal was to ensure all staff members felt valued and respected in the Fortune community, their first priority was educating employees and identifying areas of concern. 

“At the start of the committee, we sent out a survey to establish feelings and concerns from the staff. Did they feel represented in the organization? Could they go to their supervisors with any questions or concerns? Did they feel comfortable being themselves here? Then, we built up from there.”  

The DEI Committee has built a positive relationship with the Fortune staff three years later. They continue to prioritize the needs of employees in the community and encourage open conversations to promote learning, growth and opportunity. Now, many people reach out to the committee with specific ideas to enhance inclusivity in the workplace.  

“People have asked us to raise awareness for different cultures and communities. We started sending emails, for example, during Black History Month and for Autism Awareness Week. We want to raise awareness about the many people and backgrounds in our community.” 

Kiermoni 

Kiermoni joined the DEI Committee last year. With his experience in Human Resources, his role on the committee is rooted in understanding the concerns of Fortune staff members. He works closely with the rest of the Human Resources team to determine what the DEI Committee is responsible for and how best to implement inclusive policies in the workplace.  

Last year, the DEI Committee sent out a survey encouraging employees to voice any concerns within the organization. The results highlighted specific areas that Fortune can improve upon to facilitate the most inclusive and equitable space for all employees, including pay equity, professional training and opportunities for advancement.  

Ben  

Ben, another founding member, joined the DEI Committee to learn more about his role in the Fortune community and strengthen his connection with other employees and community members. During his time on the committee, he gained more insight into the many perspectives and experiences of staff members.  

“From a personal standpoint, this was a great opportunity to recognize my own biases and reflect on how I’ve been operating. It was eye-opening to hear from fellow staff about what their experiences at Fortune have been like.”  

The Fortune community includes many individuals with unique stories and backgrounds, and the committee’s pillar is remaining open and committed to understanding each other. Prioritizing DEI goals in the workplace is key to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of identity.