Director of Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity as we define it means difference. Our premise is that differences in perspectives, experience, backgrounds, etc., can offer benefits to any organization. While many believe that diversity only refers to race and gender, it is much more. Though these are two very important aspects of diversity, there are many more ways in which we differ. At times there can be barriers between co-workers due to cultural, educational, functional, regional, or even style differences. These dimensions make us individuals and allow us to make unique contributions to the success of the organizations we belong to.

Diversity is the sense that no matter where you come from, who you are, or what your background is, there is a place for you.

Why Embrace Diversity?

Diversity enriches organizations. We learn from those whose experiences, beliefs, and perspectives are different from our own, and these lessons can be taught best in a richly diverse intellectual and social environment. 

It promotes personal growth and a healthy society. Diversity challenges stereotyped preconceptions; it encourages critical thinking; and it helps employees learn to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds. 

It strengthens communities and the workplace. Working within a diverse setting prepares employees to be good citizens in an increasingly complex society; it fosters mutual respect and teamwork; and it helps build communities whose members are judged by the quality of their character and their contributions. 

Diversity As Synergy

1. Come to terms with our attitudes, beliefs, and expectations about others while gaining comfort with different-ness.
2. Believe that diversity is big enough to include everyone-young and old, immigrant and native, black or white, and goes beyond race and gender.
3. Recognize that past inequities are in the past and focus should be in the present to reduce stereotypes and discrimination.
4. Acknowledge that we human beings resist change, and find comfort in and trust people most similar to ourselves.

• Have displayed diversity in their local community.
• Be a role model for others in their advocacy of diversity.
• Have demonstrated leadership in championing the cause of racial, cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and other aspects of diversity within the human resources profession and community.
• Be an organization, company or division of an organization/company that is based in the State of Wisconsin.

Winners

The Wisconsin State Council of SHRM congratulates both of our winners of the 2011 WISHRM Diversity Advocate Award. Here is a summary of each of their great accomplishments.

Wisconsin Public Service Corporation

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) recognizes and embraces diversity as part of its operational fabric. WPS feels that diversity is about learning from others who are not the same, about dignity and respect for all, and about creating workplace environments and practices that encourage learning from others and capture the advantage of diverse perspectives.

• Diversity efforts are included at all levels of the organization and in all of the company’s operational efforts. This organization has gone as far as declaring "Diversity Month" to acknowledge different generations, race, religion, ethnicity, cultures and genders.

• The company has established an effective Diversity and Inclusion Network Steering Committee with the mission of "create an environment that respects and values diversity." The Network has established four "Implementation Teams" that are responsible for making sure diversity initiatives are scheduled and celebrated.

• In its effort to continually expand its diversity efforts, the organization is now piloting a "Women with Energy Affinity Network." This group guides the company efforts to ensure these corporate objectives are met.

• This company sets up and promotes “Brown Bag Diversity Informational sessions” during company lunch hours. Speakers’ present information in an informal setting and it is highly received by employees who bring their "brown bag lunch" and listen while they eat lunch. Questions and employee interaction are encouraged at these specially scheduled forums.

• Supports the growth of business opportunities with companies that are certified as Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprises. A Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise is one that is a for-profit enterprise, and is a U.S.-based business with at least 51% of the business ownership controlled by one or more minorities actively involved in the daily operation of the business.

• Learning Matters Task Force helps company leadership to inform and educate all employees on diversity values and why this is important to future success. Some examples are: Diversity Times Newsletter, Task Force, Diversity 101 informational packet, and International Food Week. During this week employees are encouraged to bring in dishes that align with their heritage. The food is then shared with co-workers in a cultural exchange.

• Several different customer and safety brochures are now written in Hmong and Spanish. The organization uses “The Language Line” in its customer call center for customers who speak a language other than English. They have placed billboard ads in other languages and provided language cards for field employees to assist them in communicating important issues with customers they are working with.

• The organization sponsors a variety of events that celebrate or promote diversity. A few examples from across their 24 county service area include: Two Rivers Ethnic Fest, Handicapped Fishing Derby in Menominee, Diversity Run- Oshkosh, Culture Fest – Stevens Point, and support of the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin. The organization has recently sponsored an education initiative through Native American Tourism of Wisconsin which developed education curriculum and a video to be used by all Wisconsin schools to aid in the education of our rich Native American history, culture and tradition.

• Employees organized a Community Day at the Robert W. Monk Gardens assisting with prep work. The organization contacted other Wausau area companies and encouraged everyone to attend and support the community day.

• Working with the United Way is a company-wide annual effort that receives huge support from the company and its employees. From assisting with campaigns to promoting internal company efforts, the organization has a long history of supporting the United Way and Living United Way campaigns.

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College doesn’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk toward a more diverse and culturally sensitive faculty, staff and student body. Diversity efforts are taking place across the campus in a variety of areas including: Human Resources, Student Life and Student success. Because of this unique combination, the college is not only able to create an inclusive workplace, but an entirely inclusive organization whose culture extends to those they serve.

• Provide education in the area of diversity, and enhance the experiences for employees by offering professional development opportunities like diversity training for new hires, culturally responsive training, language classes, and Professional Development In- Service Sessions held twice per year including at least on diversity topic per session.

• Diversity is not a destination but a journey, a journey that is aimed at not only changing headcounts, but also, the mindset of our community and nation in dealing with our multicultural world. In short, the leadership considers diversity as a way of life.

• Committed to embracing and promoting diversity through all of its publications, websites, radio-TV advertisements, and other presentations.

• A number of cross-functional campus and off campus advisory committees and diversity teams have been created to help track the progress of its initiatives to diversify its workforce. These include: The President’s College Diversity Advisory Council, The Student Focused Diversity Team, and The Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Team.

• Actively involved in the K-14 Partnership Plan, a community partnership. The goals are to promote and develop a well educated population thorough education reform which emphasizes rigorous academic standards, continuous skill development, applied and integrated learning opportunities and career awareness throughout the communities which are served.

• Created the Vision of Success program to prepare students of color for post-secondary education. The objective of this program is to partner with the high school math and science teachers to provide students of color the academic support needed to strengthen basic math, chemistry, physics, biology, reading and writing skills, and to ensure their success in post-secondary education.

• Every year they celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Cinco de Mayo, The Hispanic Independence Day Parade, and Hmong community activities including Hmong New Year Celebration, Hmong Wisconsin State Festival, and Hmong Parent Education Network.

• They also celebrate October as Native American month, November as Asian American month, February as African American month, and March as Women’s History Month. During each month, displays reflecting the contributions of key individuals in all areas of human endeavor to our nation and the world are posted on the Unity and Strength Though Diversity wall for all to see.