Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
For the good of every business. For the good of our community.
As the voice of the Dallas business community, the DRC has a responsibility and an opportunity to help companies become more diverse and guide our region to create more prosperous, equitable, and inclusive communities.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core to the mission of the DRC. We commit to work every day to build a more inclusive community, to advance equitable opportunities for all, and to address system racism and other forms of discrimination head-on.
The Inclusion and Community Engagement Department prioritizes efforts that will:
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- Share knowledge and compile best practices to help companies move from awareness of DEI issues to action.
- Create an inclusive culture internally with the DRC and externally.
- Grow economic development in underrepresented communities with a focus on creating an environment that results in increase economic activity and jobs for residents.
- Catalyze investment in projects that have long been barriers to economic growth.
- Respond to community-driven issues and improve the quality of life for all.
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CORE PILLARS OF WORK
DIVERSITY IN LEADERSHIP
This sub-council will convene DEI leaders at member companies to share knowledge and compile best practices to help companies move from awareness of DEI issues to action.
Goals:
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- Create a scorecard to understand board and executive diversity at member companies.
- Develop a toolkit to help DRC members in hiring, developing, and promoting people of color, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Survey and benchmark DEI practices of member companies and create a community of practice for DEI leaders.
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CO-CHAIRS:
Cynt Marshall, Dallas Mavericks
Jason Janning, Hilti North America
Jorge Corral, Accenture
EDUCATION & WORKFORCE
This sub-council will highlight opportunities for companies to prepare the next generation of the workforce and expand their talent pipeline through initiatives like Dallas Thrives.
Goals:
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- Increase living wage attainment for 25-34 year olds from 27% to 30% by 2023.
- Double living wage attainment in a single generation.
- Increase the number of adults earning a living wage from 1 in 4 today to 1 in 2 by 2040.
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CO-CHAIRS:
Belen Garren, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Jennifer Chandler, Bank of America
Tre’ Black, On-Target Supplies & Logistics
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT IN
UNDERSERVED AREAS
This sub-council will help close the “opportunity gap” by connecting companies to the people and businesses in the Southern Dallas County.
Goals:
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- Closing the opportunity gap by prioritizing jobs to Southern Dallas County
- Investment in catalytic projects that bring access and economic growth Bui
- Connect diverse suppliers in Southern Dallas County with member companies.
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CO-CHAIRS:
Hattie Hill, T.D. Jakes Foundation
John Stephens, M&J Lupton Investments, LLC
Steven Williams, Frito-Lay North America
POLICING & CRIMINAL
JUSTICE POLICIES
This sub-council will help companies leverage their financial resources and their expertise in technology, training, and marketing to drive real reform in policing and criminal justice.
Goals:
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- Assist in the selection of the new Dallas Police Department Police Chief.
- Raise awareness within the business community of criminal justice policy issues during the 2021 Legislative Session, policing practices with the Dallas Police Department, and the ABLE Program.
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CO-CHAIRS:
Chris Nielsen, Toyota Motor North America
Hilda Galvan, Jones Day
Scott Moore, PwC
Community Engagement
We value the diversity of our region and are working together to create strategic partnerships with community leaders, businesses, and nonprofit organizations focused on meeting the current and future needs of our residents. Together we can deliver meaningful investment and a shared vision for economic growth and stability.
Areas of focus include:
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- Convening voices and perspectives of those closest to the problems we are working to address.
- Promoting growth and economic development within the region.
- Collaborating with businesses, community stakeholders, and government to respond to community-driven issues and improve the quality of life for all.
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DEI Leaders Connect
The purpose of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leaders Connect group is to bring together DEI leaders in the Dallas region to discuss multifaceted DEI challenges and opportunities with a focus towards action.
This group is designed to provide a space for discussion of relevant topics DEI leaders are facing, sharing of knowledge and resources, cross-company collaboration on events and efforts, and mentorship of newer DEI leaders.
Have a question or want to get engaged with our work in DEI?
The DRC team is here to help you and your company.