Imagine a workplace where it doesn’t matter the color of your skin, ethnicity, gender, age, culture, or physical limitations. A place where you’re celebrated for your knowledge, commitment, and for the differences that make you who you are. Where diversity and inclusion in the workplace are at the center of the company’s mission and you’re provided the same opportunities as your coworkers. At Castro & Company, we’re committed to providing a workplace environment just like this.
Diversity & Inclusion Explained
While you’ll typically see these two terms tightly intertwined, they have different but complementary meanings.
- Diversity: A group of people that are different, but in the same place.
- Inclusion: The involvement and empowerment of all people.
Simply put, diversity refers to the mix of people and inclusion is having the mix work together. Or as Verna Myers, Diversity and Inclusion Expert said:
“Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance.”
At Castro & Company, we’re fostering an environment of diversification and inclusion. But, we don’t stop there. Our employees are our most valued assets, and we take great pride in ensuring their success. And to do this, we provide a variety of professional and life experiences such as development opportunities, education, committees, and continuous support.
Working & Learning Together
This year we’ve embraced the following initiatives to support our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Corporate Donation
Based on employee votes, we made a $5,000 donation to the National Child Development Institute (NBCDI) to help Black children and their families, in the DC area, by providing lesson plans for students that are continuing distance learning during the pandemic. If you’d like to learn more about the NBCDI or to donate, check out their website: https://www.nbcdi.org/
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Our employees were provided a survey, giving them the opportunity to participate in our diversity and inclusion initiative. The volunteer committee, made up of staff and firm partners, is collaborating on ideas to raise awareness, to celebrate Castro & Company’s diversity, and provide educational resources to continue to build an inclusive work environment. The mission statement, that is being created by the group, will drive our diversity and inclusion efforts for the benefit of our firm, our employees, and our clients.
2020 Day of Service
On August 28th, a group of our employees participated in a march to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the Civil Rights March. Of course, the group took safety precautions and maintained social distancing during the event, while some participated in the NAACP – Virtual March on Washington Event.
Management Training
In September, Executives and Managers will participate in equity, inclusion, and work-life experience training. This session will provide the opportunity for attendees to explore inclusive leadership skills and competencies, how to mitigate unconscious bias, and accountability in creating equitable and inclusive experiences for our teams and our clients. If you’re looking for a fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding career with a growing and diverse CPA firm, check out our available positions to see if a career at Castro & Company is the right fit for you! To learn more, check out the infographic below created by the Ohio University online Master of Public Administration program.
