■ Diversity , Equity & Inclusion
Continued From Page 10 them based on their merits and abilities . While every person is different , we all are inherently the same . Everyone wants to be treated fairly . Everyone wants their beliefs to be respected . Everyone is entitled to both . As a relatively small firm , we do not have specific programs or initiatives geared towards Diversity , Equity and Inclusion . Instead , we encourage everyone to be part of the greater community . We all have to live in this world . It ’ s up to everyone to make it better .
Marcum LLP By Rachael Gibson , Director , Diversity , Equity & Inclusion
Marcum continues to lean further into our DEI values , as associates across the firm play a pivotal role in ensuring that DEI transcends initiatives and instead becomes a lens through which we do our work . Close to 2,000 associates attended DEI-related trainings and firmwide “ Courageous Conversations ” in 2021 . Our nine associate resource groups ( ARGs ) implemented signature programming , highlighting important issues impacting various communities within the firm , including regional conversations to support our AAPI associates following the uptick in violence against AAPI communities across the United States in 2021 . Marcum also launched a Diversity Scholarship Fund that provides $ 5,000 scholarships to accounting students from underrepresented backgrounds . In addition , Marcum ’ s 2021 class of promoted partners was the most diverse in Marcum ’ s history . Marcum will continue to implement efforts that ensure our firm is not only diverse , but one where all associates feel a strong sense of belonging and associates from underrepresented groups see pathways to leadership .
The New Jersey Society of CPAs By Ralph Albert Thomas , CPA ( DC ), CGMA , CEO & Executive Director
The New Jersey Society of CPAs
( NJCPA ) supports diversity in the profession through our Diversity , Equity and Inclusion ( DEI ) action plan , which includes implementing processes that expand entry points for potential Board members , mentoring and developing the leadership of diverse Board members , and nominating and appointing diverse candidates as successors to Committee / Interest Group chairs ; educating members about the business case for diversity in the accounting profession and recognizing exceptional CPAs and firms excelling in this area ; honoring and highlighting DEI champions in accounting and finance through the annual NJCPA Ovation Awards ; and raising awareness of the accounting profession and providing programs and financial assistance to students from underrepresented populations through the NJCPA CPA Career Presentation . Also , as part of a three-year pilot in partnership with Deloitte , the NJCPA Scholarship Fund will award one-year , $ 1,500 scholarships to minority college-bound New Jersey high school seniors from three high schools : Rahway High School , New Brunswick High School and West Orange High School .
BANKING
Peapack-Gladstone Bank By Brydget Falk-Drigan , EVP , Chief Human Resources Officer
Peapack-Gladstone Bank is committed to expanding its role as an employer that champions DEI in the workplace . We are focused on achieving hiring levels that are representative and in line with the communities we serve , as well as improving diversity representation in
“ Simply put , inclusion and diversity make us better . It strengthens our business by enriching our corporate environment , accelerating success for our clients and helping us deepen relationships among our people , teams and communities .”
senior-level roles . We have dedicated actions to drive a more diverse workforce , including investing in our community thereby creating increased brand awareness and channels from which to source , enhanced recruiting and hiring practices that minimize stereotypes and unconscious bias , heightened focus internally on cultural awareness and appreciation , and development actions to increase diversity at all levels of the organization . In 2021 , we conducted close to 20 career building sessions to both colleges and different DOL agencies , updated the career pages of our website to communicate our commitment to DEI , changed our hiring practices to include diverse interview panels and behavioral interviewing , and greatly expanded our talent development initiatives across the bank . These initiatives , in part with other efforts , led to a 45 percent increase in diverse hires in 2021 . We expect this to continue and improve in 2022 and the coming years .
Valley Bank By Tammy Mata , SVP , Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
Valley leaders and associates are committed to growing our culture of inclusion and belonging and championing engagement . Our DEI initiatives and programs center on providing greater access to the benefits Valley offers to associates , customers and to the communities we serve . This includes growing our six Associate Resource Groups ( ARGs ) and their signature programs including the ARG Financial Empowerment Roundtable Series and ARG Mentorship Program , which were launched last year . We will also continue investing in our Women in Business and National Community Lending platforms and building out our Supplier Diversity initiatives to ensure greater access and opportunity to minority , women- and veteran-owned businesses . We will also continue to increase the inclusion acumen of our associates through our three-pronged DEI education program , which includes weekly microlessons , live sessions and individual courses . Finally , we will continue to build out our Diversity Equity & Inclusion ( DEI ) Governance Framework to enhance our ability to bring new ideas to the table , raise new questions , innovate our practices and products , and strengthen our connections with our communities . This structure includes the DEI Leadership Advisory Council , which is chaired by our CEO , Ira Robbins , and includes Valley ’ s executive leaders .
ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS
Colliers Engineering & Design By Allison Colantuoni , PHR , SHRM-CP , Director of Human Resources , Member , Executive Committee
The Colliers Engineering & Design Diversity & Inclusion Committee seeks to cultivate a culture of belonging for all employees . We are committed to raising awareness of diversity , educating about how we can promote inclusion , and taking action to make our firm a place where every employee feels safe , supported and appreciated for being exactly who they are . Simply put , inclusion and diversity make us better . It strengthens our business by enriching our corporate environment , accelerating success for our clients and helping us deepen relationships
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