HUMAN RESOURCES
Diversity , Equity & Inclusion are Essential for Success
By Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
Women now figure as more than 10 percent of the CEOs on the Fortune 500 list . It ’ s a first in the 68-year history of the famed business registry and a milestone in the diversity movement .
But before breaking out in applause , consider what many business leaders are thinking – namely there ’ s still a lot of work ahead . Since the shocking murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis three years ago , our nation ’ s drive for reform and justice has made diversity , equity and inclusion ( DEI ) a rallying call .
Throughout New Jersey , businesses want to make qualitative and quantitative changes to enhance these three principles in their operations . COMMERCE Magazine interviewed four women who are champions of the cause . They are from different backgrounds and offer different approaches . But together they give a unique perspective on the importance and significance of DEI . Here are their stories :
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Deborah Visconi , CEO
As CEO of the state ’ s largest hospital , Deborah Visconi is intent on making certain that not only does Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and its 2,000 employees embrace the values of diversity , equity , and inclusion , but the community also benefits from these standards .
Visconi is a Latina , who grew up in an underserved neighborhood in Brooklyn . From the moment she stepped onto the hospital ’ s Paramus campus five years ago her mantra has
“ It ’ s important to recognize issues and address them in the way the community needs us to address them .”
been to provide access to equitable health care .
“ Every group approaches health care differently ,” she said , explaining that as a “ sacred , trusted entity in the community ,” Bergen New Bridge must understand the differences and bridge them . For instance , her staffers overcame resistance from the Lenape Native American communities in the northern parts of the state by going there and speaking directly with the community . “ It ’ s important to recognize issues and address them in the way the community needs us to address them ,” Visconi said .
Along with Lenape outreach , the hospital designed specific health programs for the Korean , African-American , Muslim and other communities . Bergen New Bridge also collaborated with Garden State Equality in opening the first health center in the region to address the needs of the LGBTQI community .
When Visconi is invited to speak at college commencements or her most recent engagement as the keynote speaker at a Latino healthcare executives ’ conference , she underscores the need for equitable health care . Regardless of skin color , health insurance status , or even access to a car , Visconi maintains “ you still deserve the right to health care . We are not just saying the words , but living the truth . We ’ re putting policies in place and surrounding it with staff that has the same vision .”
Her employees are recruited from the community . She also devised mentorship programs to nurture the staff . “ We cannot understand the community , unless the staff is commited to it and represents the community we serve . We must represent the tapestry of the community to understand it and deliver healthcare .”
Impact Consulting LLC Lucy Sorrentini , CEO
Left to Right :: Deborah Visconi of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Corethia V . Oates of Morgan Stanley .
Cover image : John O ' Boyle Photography
Lucy Sorrentini ’ s career has been devoted to diversity and fairness , beginning with her tenure at Booz Allen Hamilton , a global management and technology consulting firm , where she was the chief diversity leader , and most recently as the founder and CEO of Impact Consulting LLC , a boutique talent and consulting company .
“ It ’ s an incredible passion and commitment of mine , not just because I ’ m a woman and a Latina but because I ’ m a human being and I just believe in fairness , equity and social justice ,” she said . In April , Impact Consulting will be celebrating its eighth anniversary . It has grown from a three-person staff to 20 consultants , coaches and trainers of diverse backgrounds , experiences , and perspectives , who span five generations .
Sorrentini scaled up the operation because of the burgeoning demand for diversity , equity and inclusion consulting that ’ s occurred since the murder of George Floyd . She said : “ Companies are being a lot more intentional , not only doing what is required from a compliance perspective , but what is necessary to create cultures where everyone can get ahead and have access to opportunities .”
Continued On Page 10
8 COMMERCE www . commercemagnj . com