As we have witnessed over the last few years, but particularly recently, what we need most in America at this time is hope, healing and change. We must do better as a country, and we hope Cresa can be a part of this positive change. We are committed to take action to promote diversity and equality, and are launching a number of initiatives to help us do so.
With that said, I cannot think of a more fitting time to introduce the projects that Cresa’s Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) Council will be pursuing in 2021. They are as follows:
- Diversity Calendar – The calendar will communicate important days throughout the year and indicate “Quiet Days”, which will allow employees the space to acknowledge occasions important to various cultures and religions.
- Cresa Development & Enrichment Associate Leadership (DEAL) Program – An advisor development program, which will provide baseline compensation to attract a more diverse group of candidates into the field.
- Unconscious Bias Training – The training will expose people to their implicit biases, provide tools to adjust automatic patterns of thinking, and ultimately eliminate discriminatory behaviors.
- Rollout of Cresa Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) - Voluntary, employee-led groups made up of individuals who join together based on common interests, backgrounds or demographic factors such as gender, race or ethnicity.
- Ambassador Program – A point person in each Cresa Office will keep diversity initiatives front and center.
- Employee Spotlight Program – Regular communications will highlight the achievements of a diverse group of Cresa team members.
As the Chair of the DIB Council, I am thrilled to be working on these important initiatives with the 40+ fantastic members of the Council and I know that we will achieve great things in 2021!