In June 2020, after the death of George Floyd and other Black people in the U.S., Chemonics recognized the need for quick action to address issues of systemic inequality within the company and in our local community. As a result, we formed a Standing Committee on Racial Equality to center the experiences of members of the Black and African American community as well as Indigenous Persons and People of Color.

The purpose of the Standing Committee is to expand Chemonics’ efforts to address diversity and inclusion by strengthening its commitments to racial equality. The committee includes executive leadership and U.S.-based employees. Members were nominated by the D&I Team and Employee D&I Council.

While Chemonics has provided formal D&I interventions over the past four years, we recognize we have not done enough, particularly on the issue of addressing systemic inequality. To this end, the committee’s strategy towards building a more equal and inclusive workplace was broken into five key areas that are supported by the following sub-committees:

1. Leadership
2. Staff Care
3. Engagement and Learning
4. Systemic and Institutional Barriers
5. Community Outreach and Partnerships

Through a collaborative and inclusive process with our staff, we sought feedback to develop a workplan strengthening how Chemonics engages and supports our workforce and the communities in which we live and work at home and around the globe.

• Early June, the D&I team facilitated two internal discussions on cultural representation and race in the U.S.
• On June 5, Chemonics held a day of reflection and moment of silence in remembrance of George Floyd for all headquarters staff in the U.S. and U.K. offices. We released a public statement on our website and on social media so external peers, partners, stakeholders, and donors could join in the moment of silence.
• Completed five strategy labs with staff across the company to seek input and feedback on the committee’s workplan
• Approved a corporate contribution to D.C. Legal Aid, the largest donation in the organization’s history

Albert E. Smith, Corporate Director of Diversity and Inclusion