Diversity, Equity + Inclusion

Employee Resource Groups

COMMUNITIES BUILT ON TOGETHERNESS

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are small communities of employees who join together based on shared characteristics or life experiences to provide fellowship, friendship and support, enhance career and personal development, and contribute to the organization’s vision and values. In addition, ERGs promote diversity and equality by raising awareness and ensuring that group members have a voice in the organization.

We currently have three ERGs that foster an open and inclusive community. We also invite firm members to get involved in these communities by becoming allies and advocates.

The New Hires group is open to new employees of all levels who’ve been at the firm for under two years.
The Parent Project focuses on providing resources for working parents and caregivers.
ELEVATE promotes professional development for employees within the minority of their workplace.

INFLUENCE TO DRIVE CHANGE

We show our commitment to DE&I in our firm by hosting monthly events that bring awareness and highlights the different national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and disabilities represented in our workspace. Some events include watch parties for documentaries and movies, open forum discussions, and cooking classes. In addition to internal programs, we also provide events for the community.

Executive Women’s Leadership Program

The SobelCo bi-monthly Executive Women’s Leadership Series fosters inclusivity for all professional women. These events attract speakers who are regarded as experts in their field and lead a discussion to enhance professional and personal development.

Book Club

Book Club committee chooses podcasts and books on various topics that are relevant to the group – work/life balance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, mental health, staying motivated, and being a team leader, to name a few. One book highlighted was, “Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People” written by Anthony Greenwald and Mahzarin Banaji. Venturing into this book, allowed our team to understand their own minds and the challenges of their own hidden bias.

Inclusivity Training

As an inclusive organization that leverages diverse skills, experience, and perspectives, we enable everyone to give their best to deliver a competitive advantage. Employees using the web and interactive learning technologies to enroll in Diversity, Equity + Inclusion classes while building the framework for creating a robust DE&I approach in the workplace.

Specialty Interest Programs

Have you ever felt disregarded in life? How about ignored or misunderstood? Maybe even overlooked, forgotten, or dismissed? Unfortunately, these are feelings that everyone has experienced at one point during their life and can often result from someone judging your appearance, age, race, gender, or sexuality without knowing who you are. At SobelCo, we hold specialty interest events throughout the year that addresses these issues. For example, one of our recent programs included a virtual internal event called “Better Together: A DE&I Discussion with Scharrell Jackson,” Chief Operating Officer at Lendistry.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

SobelCo is a 2022 sponsor of the AICPA PCPS George Willie Ethnically Diverse Student Scholarship & Internship program

I still remember the day. I texted my mom right away and told her the great news. The best way to describe how I felt when I discovered I was going to receive the George Willie scholarship and internship is like when something you work hard for finally pays off. I felt a sense of happiness that my efforts and sacrifices were rewarded. I’m extremely thankful to SobelCo for accepting me. This opportunity has helped me tremendously. It has been a wonderful experience. Everyone is so supportive and friendly. There is so much to learn every day. I cannot thank the CAAS department enough for the support and openness to all of my questions.

Guillermo Malpartida

Recipient of the AICPA George Willie Scholarship & Internship