Reduced Inequalities

Thanks to pioneering advocacy groups and researchers like Dissanayake, that voice is growing stronger. And a growing number of companies like DXC Technology, SAP, Microsoft, EY and others are making the case for why neurodiversity should be part of the way companies address D&I. Hiring neurodiverse individuals has been shown through studies by La Trobe University and others, including the Harvard Business Review, to present a competitive advantage for companies, said Dissanayake, who has specialized in autism research since 1984.

Duke Energy recently accelerated its targets for more diverse representation, and new Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Joni Davis is leading the effort. Davis started her job six months ago, with a goal to not only increase diversity at the company but to strengthen a culture that supports it.

Nearly 100 members of Arrow Electronics’ Young Professionals Group teamed with Wish for Wheels to build 40 bikes for low-income children in Denver. This marks the third year that Arrow employees in the company’s Centennial, Colo. headquarters have worked with Wish for Wheels to expand healthy living opportunities in low-income communities.

Health inequality is a growing concern in Canada and the United States.1 Where you live can play a big part, especially for those living in remote communities, but so can employment status, income level, gender and ethnicity. And in turn, there is a link between the state of your health and your finances. The cost of care, the ability to carry a job or to participate in society can have health impacts.

More people today are living as refugees or displaced persons than at any time since the end of World War II1 and many of those seeking asylum are from the LGBTQ2+ community. In more than 70 countries around the world LGBTQ2+ people are facing extreme violence and persecution.2 They are looking for hope and a safe place to call home.

North America is one of the most diverse regions globally, but is this reflected in its arts? Arts and culture capture the spirit of the time and communities. They help bring people together by sparking conversations, raising awareness on important and relevant issues, and fostering a sense of belonging as viewers relate to the story behind a piece.

This past weekend, The Walt Disney Company kicked off its annual Disney Toy Delivery, a part of the Disney Team of Heroes philanthropic initiative, at AdventHealth for Children in Orlando, Florida. Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, and Tom Hanks, the voice of Woody, from the upcoming film Toy Story 4 were present and helped to bring some joy to the patients at AdventHealth for Children by distributing toys to kids and families. Patients also were pleasantly surprised with photo opportunities with Toy Story characters and toy giveaways.

Symantec believes that a diverse and inclusive work environment helps us understand our customers better, enables us to respond to new trends more rapidly, and stimulates innovation. Investing in diversity is a business imperative and our support of Net Impact has helped establish undergraduate chapters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and helped create the Racial Equity Fellowship.

We aim to promote equal opportunities by inspiring underrepresented groups to take up STEM fields by exposing them to aviation employment options and opportunities. By fueling the pipeline today through our support of educational initiatives and STEM programs, we will help to ensure more diverse perspectives in the hangars and boardrooms of the future.