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Introducing Graebel’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council

Published Date
Author Valencia Culbreath

As we’ve shared over the last year, we are committed to creating an industry-leading, people-first mobility culture — one that provides exceptional experiences by emphasizing a diverse workforce that honors differences and provides equitable access and opportunities. We understand that to make long-lasting and meaningful changes, we must first look within to determine how our company will act on and be guided by its overarching DEI mission for our most important asset. Only then can we look externally to guide our clients and suppliers in this journey. To guide that work across our global organization, we launched the DEI Council in 2018, with the goal of developing, implementing and sustaining actions that foster a workforce that thrives.

Since launching the council in the U.S., we’ve expanded it globally adding 26 new members across seven countries in EMEA, APAC and the Americas. The council members add incredible value offering diverse and divergent perspectives. Their role is advisory in nature and they are leaned upon for thought leadership around our DEI strategy to drive best practices, goals and objectives.

As a larger group, we plan to focus on how we hire, support and educate our organization within these areas:

  • Talent Management
  • Mentoring and Advocacy
  • Continuous Education

We also have regional councils for each of the three global regions, which address different DEI nuances around the world; led by Emily Augsburger (Americas), Beverly King (EMEA) and Nowzad Wadia (APAC). The regional councils meet monthly, while the global council meets on a quarterly basis, to create actionable progress towards our DEI mission and vision. We’re excited to provide regular updates on our DEI efforts after the global quarterly meetings (and in between) to keep everyone up to date on our initiatives. At the same time, we want this to be a collaborative journey as systemic change requires all of us. I would love to hear what you are doing and what changes you’ve made in support of your DEI goals. I look forward to engaging with you on this journey.

 

 

 

About the Author

Valencia joined Graebel in 2007 and now leads company-wide efforts to educate, coach and lead global transformation in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space as a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®). In addition, Valencia chairs Graebel’s Global DEI Council and recently expanded her team by appointing regional DEI leaders in EMEA, APAC and the Americas to better serve the needs of those in each area. Leveraging her extensive account management experience in talent mobility, Valencia supports current clients, prospects and supplier partners in developing more accessible and inclusive employee experiences. Valencia holds both the Certified Relocation Professional (CRP®) and Global Mobility Specialist (GMS®) designations from the Worldwide ERC®. Valencia is an executive board member for her local school district’s foundation ensuring equitable access and opportunity for every student. She also serves in an advisory role in support of the school district’s goal around equity and inclusiveness by holding the district accountable for interrupting the predictable and unfavorable experiences for the marginalized and underrepresented populations across the district. Valencia is a proven advocate for equity and inclusion, both at work and in her community.

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