DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION AT GDH

Creating a culture of equality and inclusiveness for GDH is not just the right action to take. It’s the action we must take to ensure we fulfill our greatest potential as a business and community.

Commitment to DEI

Our DEI Council

In our ongoing work to create a workplace that reflects the people we serve and where all individuals feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work, GDH created our DEI Council. This group of employees from across the company guides our DEI strategies and approach, helping us keep our business purpose in line with our mission of equity and inclusion. These values help us hold true to our DEI goals.

“Diversity and Inclusion should not be stymied by the concept of “visual diversity” in order to avoid taking a checkbox approach to what should be a thoughtful process of embracing diversity of thought and perspective that comes from the lived experience of people from different backgrounds. In an effort to push to change and build a workforce of diverse minds, we must recognize the benefits of inclusion and use it as a driving force during future talent recruitment.”

-Colby R., Sr. Recruiter

“Diversity means to me being with a company that fosters Equity in ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, and fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. Inclusion is the practice of making people feel a sense of belonging at work. Diversity is the presence of differences within a given setting.”

-Brenda F., Executive Administrative Assistant

“I have always believed that bringing the voices of differing points of view and experiences together makes whatever you are doing stronger. Having worked in a variety of industry sectors, I know the personal impact when I feel included as part of the team, but also I understand the impact it has on employees, clients and vendors – it creates deeper and more genuine partnerships. Diversity of people and thought are essential to our personal and business well-being.”

-Melinda K., Chief Legal Officer

“To me, DEI means getting to know someone outside of the physical appearance and initial assumptions.  Being able to work in an environment with people from all walks of life with different experiences and stories allows us to all grow personally and professionally. “

-Ashley H., Account Executive

“Diversity and Inclusion should not be stymied by the concept of “visual diversity” in order to avoid taking a checkbox approach to what should be a thoughtful process of embracing diversity of thought and perspective that comes from the lived experience of people from different backgrounds. In an effort to push to change and build a workforce of diverse minds, we must recognize the benefits of inclusion and use it as a driving force during future talent recruitment.”

-Colby R., Recruiter and Team Lead

“I believe that diversity should be appreciated and being inclusive of everyone and their varied experiences is critical in both our personal and professional lives. In my career, there have been times when I was on the receiving end of biases. At the time those experiences inhibited my confidence, which prevented me from reaching my full potential at that company. I have learned that for an organization to thrive, all people must feel valued and appreciated. Fostering an environment that welcomes differences in thought and perspective encourages creativity and innovation. I am thankful to work for a company that allows me to be my authentic self every day.”

-Michelle B., VP of Federal Solutions

“To explain what Diversity and Inclusion means to me I’d have to look back the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – “I look to a day when people will not be j udged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Today I expand upon his statement to add it is not about the color of your skin, your sex, your wealth and privialage, or whom you love… It is about the person you are underneath – how you resepect yourself and others, the value you bring to those around you, your personal drive and positive influence to your family and community.

It’s been nearly 60 years since the histroic “I have a dream” speech and I look forward to a day when the dream has been achieved. Until then, I’m extremely proud to work for and represent an organization that believes in equality as strongly as I do.”

-Hampton W., Senior Account Executive

“To me, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean being my authentic self and, at the same time, giving others around me the opportunity to be open about their beliefs and diversity. It comes from not being afraid to show how people are different. One’s identity should not predict the outcome of their work environment. We should all have the same right to fair treatment, opportunity, and access to be hired, promoted, and valued. We all have a voice that allows us to share our values, power, and decision-making authority.”

-Brenda F., Executive Administrative Assistant

“Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to me aren’t about just what you can see, but more importantly, about feeling valued and encouraged to share your thoughts and opinions. In a recent “fireside chat” at GDH, one panelist used a phrase several times that stood out… “courageous conversations.” For someone to have a courageous conversation, they must feel that the environment is conducive to engaging in such dialogue. It is so important for people to acknowledge diversity and show empath that can then lead to equity and inclusion. I am so proud to work for such a divers company that does just that.”

-Brett W., RPO Engagement Manager

“I have always believed that bringing the voices of differing points of view and experiences together makes whatever you are doing stronger. Having worked in a variety of industry sectors, I know the personal impact when I feel included as part of the team, but also I understand the impact it has on employees, clients and vendors – it creates deeper and more genuine partnerships. Diversity of people and thought are essential to our personal and business well-being.”

-Melinda K., General Counsel & VP of Human Resources

“Diversity and Inclusion to me is about seeing every individual as a unique image bearer worthy of respect, value, care, recognition, and opportunity. Personally, I believe this is important because we should not be doing anything from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility counting others more significant than ourselves. We should look out not only to our own interest, but also to the interest of others.”

-Michael R., Training & Development Project Manager

Team: In this together.
At GDH, we value team. We recognize that we’re not all the same, but together we’re better. By seeking diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of GDH life, we foster unity.

Education: Learn from each other.
We learn from and listen to each other. We host panels and discussions led by GDHers who share their own experiences, knowledge, and feelings related to the tough and important realties of DEI.

Career: Aim sky high.
GDH invests in the growth and development of all our team members. Our promise is to provide equal access to our career building resources: career coaching, strengths training, employee resource groups, and career pathing.

Community: Share our success.
GDH is a company of givers and doers. We dedicate the majority of our philanthropic efforts to supporting underrepresented and disenfranchised people across the communities we serve.

We care about people. We’re on the DEI journey together.