Presenting the NJ Diversity & Inclusion Awards

On Mar 29, 2021

The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) and New Jersey Business magazine are proud to honor four companies with the second annual NJ Diversity & Inclusion Award. American Water, ExxonMobil, McCarter & English, and Panasonic are being recognized for their activities in support of D&I.

These selected businesses realize that the workforce is changing; that focusing on diversity alone is not enough to engage and retain diverse talent, grow and expand market share, support diverse communities, and overall, positively impact the bottom line. Inclusion must also be part of the strategy to help the business drive innovative results.

Please enjoy the respective company profiles below. These businesses were recognized at NJBIA’s virtual Stronger Together: Diversity & Inclusion Summit, which was held on on March 31 and April 1.

American Water 

www.amwater.com 

Diversity of backgrounds, ideas, thoughts and experiences is vital to American Water’s culture and the way it does business. Creating an environment where differences are embraced and where everyone feels engaged and included makes the company safer, stronger and more successful. American Water encourages, honors and celebrates differences in its employees, including race or ethnicity, gender or gender identity/expression, spiritual practice, age, nationality, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, physical, mental, intellectual or learning abilities, education, and personal style, to name a few. American Water wants to foster an environment where its people can: work safely, both physically and emotionally; generate great ideas; provide the best customer service; and make a difference in the communities it serves. By cultivating an inclusive and diverse work environment guided by its core values, American Water enables any person or group within the company to develop the next big idea, delight customers, and create a future of success. 

ExxonMobil 

www.exxonmobil.com 

With operations in almost every part of the globe, ExxonMobil believes passionately that diversity brings unique perspectives, ignites innovation, and creates competitive advantages. Inclusion encourages understanding and values all viewpoints while challenging everyone to constantly think beyond traditional frames of reference. At the company’s Clinton research and development facility, home to more than 1,000 scientists and engineers from around the world, ExxonMobil’s innovations help provide the energy fundamental to modern life – from the clean, efficient fuels that power today’s transportation, to the natural gas that provides light and heat to homes and businesses, to the next generation of low carbon energy solutions to reduce the risks of climate change. Diversity and inclusion together make ExxonMobil teams more creative, productive and engaged, fueling innovation and connecting the company to its customers and the communities it serves. 

McCarter & English, LLP 

www.mccarter.com 

McCarter & English is committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace with professionals who reflect the uniqueness of its clients and communities, and bring distinctive talents and perspectives that strengthen the firm. McCarter’s Diversity & Inclusion Partner oversees the firm’s 15-member Diversity and Inclusion Committee and its Women’s Initiative. The D&I Committee addresses ways for the firm to improve the recruitment, retention, promotion and professional growth of women employees and diverse lawyers. The committee also coordinates programing that helps to educate the firm’s lawyers and staff on diversity, equity and inclusion-related issues. Additionally, the firm’s Women’s Initiative provides robust programs, networking opportunities, and mentorship throughout the year. Finally, building on its longstanding diversity and inclusion and award-winning pro bono work, the McCarter & English Social Justice Project was created in 2020 with the mission of helping to dismantle structural racism and combat the impact of racial inequality in the US. 

Panasonic Corporation of North America 

na.panasonic.com/us/ 

For more than 100 years, contribution to society and fairness and honesty have been central to Panasonic’s culture. Panasonic Corporation of North America trains on a range of topics from unconscious bias to leading and promoting a diverse workforce. The company believes education and awareness are essential to supporting fulfilling careers and professional growth. Panasonic’s executive and employee-led Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Advisory councils develop, implement, communicate and maintain accountability in delivering on its DE&I commitments across its North American business. More commonly known as Employee Resource Groups, the Business Impact Groups (BIGs) are voluntary, employee-led interest groups where employees can channel their passion and share their rich and unique experiences that help move Panasonic’s culture and the company forward each day. In addition, The Panasonic Foundation is committed to supporting young people, especially those in underrepresented groups, achieve their full potential in a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) career.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now. 

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