Assessing an Organization’s Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

Review Mission, Values, & Goals

Look for diversity & inclusion in the organization’s mission statement, values, & strategic plan. 
Information to look for: 

  • Do they have a diversity statement on their website?
  • What are their anti-discrimination policies?
  • Are D&I goals included in the strategic plan?

Research Their Demographics

Take a look at their organizational chart to review whether they have people of diverse backgrounds represented levels of the organization. Be sure to look at leadership, mid-level & entry-level positions. 
Information to look for: 

  • Do they have a chief diversity officer or diversity management team?
  • Does the composition of their Board of Directors represent diverse backgrounds and voices?

Diversity Affinity Groups

Many organizations have employee resource or affinity groups where employees can come together based off shared identities. 
Information to look for: 

  • Do they offer special interest groups for employees?
  • Do they feature affinity groups when discussing company culture (Women, LGBT, Young Professionals, Race/Ethnicity, etc.)?

Recruitment Strategies

Review how the organization recruits and observe whether the organization is including diverse groups when recruiting.
Information to look for: 

  • Are they attending diversity events hosted by The Career Center?
  • Do they recruit at events hosted by diversity affiliated organizations & associations (i.e. National Association of Black Social Workers, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, The Association of LGBTQ Journalists, etc.)?
  • Do they bring recruiters and employees from diverse backgrounds to on-campus events?

Affiliations with Diversity Internship Programs

Organizations may offer internships targeting diverse populations, be sure to look for these on their website. 
Information to look for: 

  • Is the organization listed in diversity internship programs such as INROADS, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, & the T. Howard Foundation? 

Diversity Outreach

Organizations often share their efforts to give back to the community. Examine on social media whether their outreach efforts extend to serving diverse populations. 
Information to look for:

  • Does the organization have press releases on their website that highlight diversity & inclusion initiatives?
  • Does the organization list their philanthropic commitment on the website? 

Civil Lawsuits

The local Equal Employment Opportunity Commission can provide information on whether an organization has had any civil lawsuits.

Information to look for:

  • Does information about civil lawsuits related to the organization come up in an online search?
  • Does the employer have any Glassdoor reviews that mention civil lawsuits?

Be Curious During Interactions

When you meet with a representative during a networking event, company visit, or interview, be sure to ask some questions regarding their culture & environment.
Information to ask: 

  • Also ask clarifying questions that provide clear insight into the information you reviewed on their website or your personal observations
  • Sample question: What is your organization’s commitment to hiring a diverse workforce?
  • Sample question: Can you give me an example of how your organization has demonstrated commitment to diversity & inclusion?
  • Sample question: Describe your organization’s success with the advancement of underrepresented minorities.

Top Diversity Employers

Various organizations have developed lists of top diversity employers. We encourage you to review the list & the criteria for inclusion. 

Diversity Inc. Top 50 Companies for Diversity
This website lists top employers for specialty areas such as (i.e. Asian-Americans, Blacks, Executive Women, Latinos, LGBT, People with Disabilities, Veterans, etc.)

DiversityComm, Inc
Includes a list of the "Best of the Best" in relation to outreach & accessibility to the African American, Hispanic/Latino, Veteran &Female populations.

Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index
The Corporate Equality Index is a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies & practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender employees.

IMDiversity.com
A network of websites, job boards, magazines & diversity resources for the Asian American community. Read related articles & identify employers who value diversity in the workplace.

HireDiversity.com is the Nation´s leading online service for diversity recruitment & career development. HireDiversity.com provides top quality services & networking opportunities, while linking under-represented candidates with Fortune 1000 Corporations, Government Agencies, & Non-Profit/Educational Institutions.