In late 2019, EmployIndy leadership attended a 3-day workshop, facilitated by Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training, that was focused on dismantling systemic racism within organizations and institutions. This training proved profound, powerful and a catalyst for change. EmployIndy set off on a journey of self-discovery with the ultimate goal of becoming an anti-racist multicultural organization. Through open, candid conversations and a desire to pursue equity within our organization, we committed to working through the internal change needed to disable racism and break down barriers to racial and economic justice within our own organization.

The murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020, preceded in death by too many innocent black men and women, further strengthened our conviction in that we could no longer collectively avert our gaze from police brutality and the systemic racism our country is predicated upon. As a result, the EmployIndy Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) affinity group was established to help provide space for staff and leadership to talk about systemic racism as we continued to take steps towards becoming an anti-racist, multicultural institution. Since its inception, this multi-generational, multi-cultural team has been busy facilitating regular voluntary conversations for staff (Friends Without Borders) on subjects surrounding DEIB, developed long-term organizational DEIB goals, hosted EmployIndy’s first “Books & Brunch” event series for staff with a focus on bridge building across race and culture, surveyed staff to gain insight and interests as well as regularly shared DEIB resources and educational vignettes on world-wide cultural celebrations. 

In tandem with and supported by these DEIB efforts, EmployIndy created a thoughtful, complex and innovative organizational redesign intended to improve internal operations and secure the necessary talent to execute on our vision and investments over the next five years.