DIVERSITY , EQUITY & INCLUSION
Embracing Diversity , Equity and Inclusion is a Competitive Advantage
Compiled by Miles Z . Epstein Editor , COMMERCE
To assess how some firms are using diversity , equity and inclusion as a competitive advantage — a key driver of opportunities — COMMERCE asked some of New Jersey ’ s leading companies and organizations to discuss their outreach , and how it allows them to deliver value to their workforces and clients .
ACCOUNTING
Citrin Cooperman By Nichol Chiarella , CPA , MST , Partner , Co-Leader , CC EDGE
Recognizing the importance of continually fostering a culture of inclusivity in the workplace , Citrin Cooperman launched a diversity , equity and inclusion ( DEI ) mission , known as Empowering Diversity and Gender Equality ( EDGE ) in late 2019 . Due to many COVID restrictions , we had to pivot to mostly virtual experiences , and be responsive to some of the immediate challenges our people were facing as a result of the pandemic . We provided panel discussions on areas of personal concern , such as health and wellness , and business concern such as networking in a remote environment . We launched an unconscious bias training program to bring everyone up to a baseline understanding of the issues of bias . More recently , we have hosted sessions on resilience and mindfulness , and a fireside chat to openly discuss diversity and inclusion challenges and best practices . Through a semi-monthly newsletter that addresses various aspects of diversity , from prominent people to important observances , we continue to build awareness throughout our firm on these issues . Our EDGE committee members also hold discussion groups and information sessions in each of our offices to build awareness and foster a culture of understanding .
CohnReznick LLP By Steven Schinella , CPA , OMP – New Jersey
CohnReznick is a long-time champion of advocating for diversity , equity , inclusion , and belonging and integrating it into everything we do , both within and outside of our firm . Internally , we created a National Diversity & Inclusion Council and launched two Employee Resource Groups ( ERGs ), CohnReznick Pride and the CohnReznick Black Action Council ( CR BLAC ), to provide mentoring , support and professional development opportunities to those communities , as well as to share information and promote education and awareness throughout the firm . Our Learning & Development team also launched the “ Dialogues on Diversity ” conversation series as part of its curriculum to partner with our ERGs on education initiatives . Externally , our Executive Women ’ s Forum enables women in business to
connect , network and create beneficial relationships . Our firm is committed to advancing corporate responsibility and Environmental , Social and Governance ( ESG ) practices internally and externally because we know the work we do and how we do it can affect both our key stakeholders and the communities we live and work in .
Grassi By Jeff Agranoff , Chief Human Resources Officer
Grassi established a formal DEI committee to expand and advance the DEI initiatives at our firm . Led by employee volunteers , the committee is representative of our diverse workforce and enables their voices to be part of the conversation on our DEI initiatives , policies and commemorations . Since its formation , this committee has coordinated events focused on annual awareness campaigns , such as Black History Month , International Women ’ s Day and Pride Month , and provided valuable insights into evolving social and racial issues . Their perspectives and feedback help our leadership make more impactful decisions about the response and actions our firm can take to be part of the solution . The success of these initiatives is due in large part to the contributions and passion of our employees . As we promote awareness and acceptance throughout the year , they are invited to speak , write , record videos and otherwise communicate with their colleagues on a variety of DEI topics . This has been the catalyst for many meaningful conversations and celebrations of our diversity , which result in better unity as we recognize that it is our unique backgrounds and experiences that make us a stronger team as a whole .
According to a new study from Goldman Sachs , companies with more women in leadership positions perform better .
Photo : Getty Images / iStockphoto / acoblund
Levine Jacobs & Co ., LLC By Michael H . Karu , CPA , CFF , CGMA Partner
Diversity , Equity and Inclusion is about treating and judging people in the same way that you would like to be treated and judged by others . At Levine Jacobs , we do not judge our personnel based on their race , creed , color , religion , sexual orientation or any other limiting factor . We treat everyone equally , value the differences in cultures and encourage people to work together . When we look for new associates , we judge
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