To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question: “How do you encourage diversity in the workplace?”
Shari Davis, Director of Midstream, Gulf Interstate Engineering
“We focus on meritocracy in the workplace, selecting the best person for the position versus employing a check-the-box mentality. As a result, we have become more diversified with women and minorities ascending into management positions. Currently, 33 percent of our executive leadership is female and 50 percent of our directors in engineering operations are either women or other minorities.”
Michael Weimer, Chief Operating Officer, Life Flight Network
“Life Flight Network addresses challenges within our organization and communities by eradicating the deep disparities in healthcare. Systemic and cultural racism and other conscious and unconscious biases have contributed to poorer outcomes for historically marginalized patients across our service area, and this is present in our underrepresented and rural communities. Meeting these challenges will require the retention and recruitment of diverse employees who value and respect what each individual brings to the workplace. The skills and wisdom obtained from differing backgrounds, education, cultures, and experiences build a strong team capable of confronting the challenges of our industry.”
Matt Seaburn, President, RAW Wheels + Tires
“We have always encouraged diversity at our company, and we challenge the rest of you to do the same. Speed up!”
Dan Espinal, CEO, Rarebreed Veterinary Partners
“The industry is diverse from a gender perspective, particularly our business, but it’s not diverse from a racial perspective, which is something that has a long way to go.”
