海角乱伦 and its Team Members Share Commitment to Advancing Inclusion
02/15/2023
In recognition of Black History Month, team members share their perspectives on Black History Month and how they work to advance inclusion in the workplace and communities they serve.
鈥淏lack History Month is a good time to pause and reflect,鈥 said Keith Williamson, Chief Charitable Giving Officer and President of The 海角乱伦 Charitable Foundation. 鈥淎t 海角乱伦, we say that DEI is in our DNA. That鈥檚 certainly true, but we still have work to do.听As Executive Sponsor for the MOSAIC Employee Inclusion Group (EIG), I鈥檓 impressed by what our company and employees are accomplishing.听Each of us plays a role in strengthening our company鈥檚 inclusive culture.鈥
鈥淏lack History Month is an important time to recognize, honor and celebrate Black achievement,鈥 said Sonya Frazier, Senior Manager, Provider Operations, Sunshine Health and MOSAIC Co-President. 鈥淎frican Americans make valuable contributions in all aspects of society.听Black History Month is a time to expand our scope of knowledge of African Americans' history and show appreciation for Black excellence.鈥
鈥淭he significance of Black History Month is the acknowledgment, understanding and pursuit of social justice, equality and equity for Black and African Americans,鈥 said Justin Guy, Case Management Supervisor, Louisiana Healthcare Connections. 鈥淭here should be equal rights, access and accommodations for all no matter race, ethnicity, gender or religion.鈥
鈥淏lack History Month is a reminder of the exceptional contributions made by Black people,鈥 said Desiree Mingo, HR Business Partner, New Hampshire Healthy Families and Wellcare New Jersey. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important we increase our knowledge of ethnic groups that differ from our own and recognize accomplishments all year long.听This fosters inclusivity and provides insight and appreciation into different perspectives and experiences.鈥
The team members also describe how they advance inclusion by building trusted partnerships in the workplace and our communities.
鈥満＝锹衣 is a great corporate citizen, and I have been fortunate to engage in leadership roles and help us partner with St. Louis organizations like the Urban League, United Way and The Opportunity Trust that are working to promote equity and the health of our communities,鈥 Keith said.听鈥淚n the workplace, I鈥檓 committed to supporting the next generation and I鈥檓 thrilled when aspiring leaders are open to listening to my advice.鈥
鈥淚 appreciate learning about the uniqueness of my colleagues while also creating a safe space for those differences to be celebrated,鈥 Sonya said. 鈥淎s MOSAIC Co-President, I work with talented individuals who consistently drive inclusion.听I encourage everyone to join. Your participation helps advance inclusion in the workplace and the knowledge gained from your participation greatly influences the communities we serve.鈥
鈥淚 have the honor of fostering inclusion by observing the work my staff does daily for our members,鈥 Justin said. 鈥淢y role extends to my community as I serve in my church鈥檚 outreach ministry. This includes going on mission trips across the world. I hope to authentically express the love of Christ while there and be continuously empowered to be a light in my workplace and community to advance social justice, equality and equity.鈥
鈥淚 advance inclusion in the workplace through my work with health plan DEI Councils and volunteer committees in New Hampshire and New Jersey,鈥 Desiree said. 鈥淚 also participate in community events supporting inclusion, including the Green-To-Go Mobile food pantry in New Hampshire or doing community service at the NJ Foodbank. I鈥檓 amazed how much community members appreciate our support.鈥
Nearly 24% of 海角乱伦鈥檚 workforce identifies as Black and African American. The company鈥檚 dedication to an inclusive culture where all team members can pursue their career ambitions includes programs focused on early identification and accelerated development of diverse talent. 海角乱伦鈥檚 EIGs further this support by developing employee leaders through networking, coaching and mentoring.
To further advance its commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, 海角乱伦 and its health plans are also engaged with Historically Black Colleges and Universities to increase the company鈥檚 pipeline of diverse talent, especially in fields where minorities are underrepresented. This includes participating in career fairs and providing funding for medical programs and STEM summer academies for underrepresented high school students.
海角乱伦 also partners with organizations like the National Urban League to promote the contributions of African Americans and support initiatives aimed at development and education.