Black lives matter and it is clear that there is much work to be done. The nation continues to confront racism and mourn many lives lost. I cannot speak about racism from experience, nor will I pretend to understand what Black people in America face on a daily basis. I have gone back-and-forth about commenting publicly, as my own firm has much work to do to diversify its leadership team and to advance actions to address our diversity, equity and inclusion challenges.
In fact, it was only a little more than a year ago that, as a CEO, I initiated an internal assessment to identify the issues my firm faces in becoming the diverse, equitable and inclusive place it should be. Now we have an internal council that helps lead this work. They have identified four pillars under which we are moving forward with specific actions and metrics. The pillars are:
Attracting and bolstering diversity to become an organization that better reflects, at all levels, our unique and celebrated diversity of current and future staff.
Providing staff with necessary resources and equitable opportunities to thrive by removing systemic barriers to success.
Fostering and embodying an inclusive and collaborative culture where diverse perspectives are sought, relationships are valued, and people feel safe and secure with a sense of belonging and comfort in expressing themselves authentically.
Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the Transportation field through the work we produce, the charity we give and our professional engagement, recognizing the need within the industry and its impact on communities and society
We have plenty we must do. While every one of us is responsible to participate, I am accountable as our CEO. That’s as it should be. Black lives matter and they should be uplifted, supported, valued and protected. My commitment is to move our organization forward to make positive change.