Renewing our focus on DEI in recruiting and launching an internship program with an HBCU
Challenge
As a small, young company, we had not taken a structured approach to encourage more diverse applicant pools.
Actions
We began tracking demographic data for applicants, using LinkedIn recruiter to invite diverse applicants to apply for certain roles, and convening diverse search committees to help evaluate prospective applicants. Perhaps most importantly, we created an internship program with North Carolina Central University (NCCU), an HBCU, to create a pipeline of interns focused on STEM and business. We had our first intern through this program last summer.
Outcomes
It is still early days for each of our three initiatives, but we already see some results. Many employees have positively reacted to our updated benefits, with several saying it has allowed them to procure more reliable childcare and achieve a more sustainable work-life balance. Similarly, several internal stakeholders have stated they appreciate a company of our size (<100 employees) is taking a proactive approach with respect to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion and that they are excited by the steps we have already taken.
Quote
Modern Energy is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across our group of companies, in the communities we serve, and in the clean energy industry more broadly. At Modern Energy, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just moral imperatives; they are integral to our mission － providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to everyone. CEO Action is an important resource as we work to turn words into progress.