Author: Falesha Grasty, Senior Staff Accountant – Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Council
“I am so proud to work for a company, and with team members, who recognize me, hear me, and value my point of view.”
Encouraging diversity of experience and fostering a sense of inclusion have been increasingly common refrains in the corporate environment in recent years. Unfortunately, for many companies, this initiative comes only after a negative event or in response to internal or external pressure, weakening the positive impact and setting off on the wrong foot with stakeholders.
Thankfully, Penn Community Bank understands the importance of leveraging the strength of diversity and inclusion, and the value of acting proactively; ensuring a better work environment for team member and a better experience for customers and community members.
In 2017, in conjunction with the introduction of the bank’s diversity and inclusion human resources policy, the Penn Community Bank Diversity and Inclusion Council was formed to bring more voices to the conversation. Our group, which now includes 12 members, meets regularly to ensure the implementation of D&I policies, solicit feedback and act on ways to make our company more open, and plan events to maximize the impact of our D&I efforts.
This year, we are taking it one step further by working on the creation of a strategic plan for the council. Not only will this plan help Penn Community Bank identify goals and track success for this important initiative, it has provided our team the opportunity to dig deeper and better understand each other as individuals with unique backgrounds and perspectives.
Our council is organic and the product of a culture here at Penn Community Bank that values openness, collaboration, and authenticity. As an African American woman, I am so proud to work for a company, and with team members, who recognize me, hear me, and value my point of view.