Diversity and Inclusion Drives Innovation

Everyone deserves a shot at the American dream—anyone can make it if they work hard enough, right? That hasn't always been the case.

During the height of the space race, for example, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were the brains behind one of the greatest operations at NASA, a longtime client of ours. The work of these brilliant African-American women was left out of the pages of history books, but now they’re getting the recognition they deserve on the silver screen. Detailed in the recent blockbuster “Hidden Figures,” Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson broke free from two of society’s most powerful ‘isms’—racism and sexism—paving the way for minorities and women in the workplace. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including best picture.

As a firm, we want to honor the same intrepid spirit of those featured in the film. Because while times have changed drastically since the early ‘60s, our work isn’t done. We believe diversity contributes to innovative ideas and pioneering solutions. This drives better results—not only for our clients, but for the world around us.

Diversity is something to celebrate, which is why we’re proud of our packed events calendar throughout the next few months.

We recently kicked off a series of “Hidden Figures” screenings in theatres peppered around the country. We’re encouraging our employees not just to attend, but to start conversations around diversity and inclusion on Yammer and on their social media channels. February also ushers in Black Heritage month, which we’ll be honoring through a series of engaging events. Professional development workshops are on the docket in addition to a fireside chat with Lloyd Howell Jr., who was the firm’s first African American chief financial officer. We’ll also celebrate the naming of this year’s Black Engineer of the Year during a special recognition reception early in the month.