DEI Group | GDHinc

GDH Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“Inclusivity means not just 'we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued. I’ve always said: smart teams will do amazing things, but truly diverse teams will do impossible things.”
~Claudia Brind-Woody

Our Mission

The mission of the GDH DEI council is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. Creating a culture of equality and inclusiveness is not just the right action to take, it is the only action. Together we transfer our commitment and innovation into action through focus on education, career, team, and community. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the people we serve and where all individuals feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. Together, we will continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices of all.

Our Values

At GDH, we value team. We recognize that we’re not all the same but together we’re better. Through fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in all facets of GDH life, we seek unity. DEI is not just an initiative – it is core to our people engagement strategy. Instead of approaching this from the top down, our concept is a side-to-side council approach. While you may find executives and managers on our DEI Council, what you won’t find is anyone of those people chairing the council. The GDH DEI Council is a diverse strategic team accountable for developing and implementing initiatives that further the four cornerstones of our DEI mission: Team, Career, Education & Community. Through our commitment to embracing our differences, we pave the way to be united.

Meet our DEI Group!

Hear from our DEI members:

“

I have always believed that bringing the voices of differing points of view and experiences together makes whatever you are doing stronger. Having worked in a variety of industry sectors, I know the personal impact when I feel included as part of the team, but also I understand the impact it has on employees, clients and vendors – it creates deeper and more genuine partnerships. Diversity of people and thought are essential to our personal and business well-being.

Four words that describe the GDH culture: Team, Empowered, Innovative, Transparent

Melinda Kirk

General Counsel & VP of Human Resources

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“

Diversity to me means that we all interact as humans and take pride in our similarities and differences. It means learning from others, having respect for and a healthy curiosity about others and the willingness to listen and learn from their experiences and opinions. This is important because here at GDH employees are more likely to feel comfortable and happy in an environment where inclusivity is a priority. Diverse teams bring the collection of their experiences and are less likely to practice groupthink. Lastly, I feel that it is important to have an organization that represents the people we serve.

Four words that describe the GDH culture: Open-Minded, Collaborative, Rewarding, Result Orientated

Mark Woods

Account Executive

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“

I believe that diversity should be appreciated and being inclusive of everyone and their varied experiences is critical in both our personal and professional lives. In my career, there have been times when I was on the receiving end of biases. At the time those experiences inhibited my confidence, which prevented me from reaching my full potential at that company. I have learned that for an organization to thrive, all people must feel valued and appreciated. Fostering an environment that welcomes differences in thought and perspective encourages creativity and innovation. I am thankful to work for a company that allows me to be my authentic self every day.

Four words that describe the GDH culture: Inclusive, Motivating, Supportive, Inspiring

Michelle Berman

VP of MSP & RPO

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“

To explain what Diversity and Inclusion means to me I'd have to look back at the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - "I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." Today I expand upon his statement to add it is not about the color of your skin, your sex, your wealth and privilege, or whom you love... It is about the person you are underneath - how you respect yourself and others, the value you bring to those around you, your personal drive and positive influence to your family and community.

It's been nearly 60 years since the historic "I have a dream speech" and I look forward to a day when the dream has been achieved. Until then, I'm extremely proud to work for and represent an organization that believes in equality as strongly as I do.

Four words that describe the GDH culture: Driven, Supportive, Ethical, Family

Hampton Wingfield

Senior Account Executive

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“

Diversity and Inclusion should not be stymied by the concept of “visual diversity” in order to avoid taking a checkbox approach to what should be a thoughtful process of embracing diversity of thought and perspective that comes from the lived experience of people from different backgrounds. In an effort to push for change and build a workforce of diverse minds, we must recognize the benefits of inclusion and use it as a driving force during future talent recruitment.

Four words that describe the GDH culture: Dynamic, Competitive, Collaborative, Exciting

Colby Richardson

Recruiter, Team Lead

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“

Diversity is more than where you were born, it is more than the way you appear but combined with everyone’s unique personality, ideas, and experiences. Diversity means innovation. Being a part of a Diverse environment is so important to me because it has enabled me to grow personally and professionally. I have found a passion for people and their thoughts; ideas and I love when I can take something from someone else and positively implement it into my life. Inclusion means having a voice. I believe each individual should be able to share their voice. Inclusion means encouraging individuals to share their ideas, to feel comfortable and included in conversations and creating a safe place to do so. Diversity and Inclusion is empowering.

Four words that describe the GDH culture: Teamwork, Autonomous, Challenging, Diverse

Bianca Zavala

Recruiter

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“

Diversity and inclusion to me means that everyone is encouraged to bring their true selves to work. It is the company’s responsibility to create an environment where employees are comfortable and able to have a voice to contribute. Companies are at their best when they consider viewpoints from all backgrounds. I feel fortunate to be working for GDH and part of a diverse team.

Four words that describe the GDH culture: Fun, Collaborative, Welcoming, Rewarding

Scott Rine

National Account Executive

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“

Diversity and Inclusion to me is about seeing every individual as a unique image bearer worthy of respect, value, care, recognition, and opportunity. Personally, I believe this is important because we should not be doing anything from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility counting others more significant than ourselves. We should look out not only to our own interest, but also to the interest of others.

Four words that describe the GDH culture: Welcoming, Caring, Inclusive, Sportsmanship

Michael Rivera

Training & Development Project Manager

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“

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to me aren’t about just what you can see, but more importantly, about feeling valued and encouraged to share your thoughts and opinions. In a recent “fireside chat” at GDH, one panelist used a phrase several times that stood out… ”courageous conversations.” For someone to have a courageous conversation, they must feel that the environment is conducive to engaging in such dialogue. It is so important for people to acknowledge diversity and show empathy that can then lead to equity and inclusion. I am so proud to work for such a diverse company that does just that.

Four words that describe the GDH culture:

Collaborative, Family, Motivating, Fun

Brett Woolery

RPO Engagement Manager

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slide 1 of 9“ I have always believed that bringing the voices of differing points of view and experiences together makes whatever you are doing stronger. Having worked in a variety of industry sectors, I know the personal impact when I feel included as part of the team, but also I understand the impact it has on employees, clients and vendors – it creates deeper and more genuine partnerships. Diversity of people and thought are essential to our personal and business well-being. Four words that describe the GDH culture: Team, Empowered, Innovative, Transparent Melinda Kirk General Counsel & VP of Human Resources Connect on LinkedIn