Global Diversity Awareness Month is a month-long celebration and initiative that encourages individuals and organizations to recognize and appreciate the rich tapestry of diversity that makes our world unique.
10/19/2023
A window to inclusivity: Celebrating Global Diversity Awareness Month
A window to inclusivity: Celebrating Global Diversity Awareness Month
At JELD-WEN, Global Diversity Awareness Month is when JELD-WEN places a spotlight on the importance of diversity and inclusion within the company and the broader global community. This annual observance allows JELD-WEN to reaffirm its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture and recognizing the value that diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences bring to the organization.
Meet a few of our associates who share what this month means to them.
Meet Alexis Blackford, legal general counsel
How important is diversity to you?
I value being a part of a company that values differences in thought, experience, background and approach. The best way to maximize the employee experience and ensure that we identify the best solutions for our company and our customers is to have a diverse collective of employees collaborating. I think everyone wants to be valued for the facets of their life, personality, and experiences that they feel are special, impactful, or unique to them. As a working professional and mother, I value showing my children that everyone has a perspective that is worth listening to and learning from and that we can all contribute to the greater good.
What does being in a diverse environment mean to you/do for you?
Being in a diverse environment not only gives me the opportunity to share my perspective but also to learn from the viewpoints of others. I grew up in a manufacturing family and I’m an engineer-turned-lawyer, working in a male-dominated industry in a historically male-dominated profession. At JELD-WEN, since day one, I have felt like my background brings something the company and my teams not only show an interest in but they also feel they benefit from. That same diverse environment provides me with the opportunity to learn from others. It also challenges me to look and think past my experience, preconceived notions and learned behaviors to find new and/or improved ways to communicate and support company goals.
What are your thoughts on diversity at JELD-WEN?
JELD-WEN has made diversity a core behavior and competency. It serves an industry that is not historically diverse, yet we operate in a way that keeps diversity front and center. If you look at the company, you see diversity efforts at work and thriving. JELD-WEN has made diversity part of our culture – from our hiring process to all levels of the organization. Our Board of Directors is about 45% female, which is ahead of the curve of publicly traded companies, but even more so in our industry. We have employee resource groups that support a variety of diverse people. JELD-WEN is doing well and, most importantly, striving to continue those efforts and make them even better.
What are the advantages of having diversity in a workplace?
Benjamin Franklin said, “If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking.” Progress and real transformational growth occur through challenge and change. That change is more likely to happen when you have diversity in a workplace – diversity of thoughts, experiences, cultures and perspectives. Our world, industry and people are constantly evolving. Through diversity, we are better able to find unrealized common threads and opportunities that otherwise would be missed opportunities and experiences.
Meet Jeremiah Shropshire, benefits leave manager
How important is diversity to you?
Diversity is extremely important because it creates an environment that embraces creativity, innovation, and mutual understanding. Diversity creates an inclusive space for all associates and provides individuals with a chance to thrive.
What are your thoughts on diversity at JELD-WEN?
I think JELD-WEN is making major steps towards diversity through our employee research groups. These various groups create safe places where associates can feel included, work with other employee resource groups and become allies. I have always found a way to talk to everyone and include everyone in discussions that produce various points of view. The instinct to include people from all walks of life is extremely important, as everyone has a voice. Talking through a given scenario with a diverse group of individuals allows us to come to a mutual understanding and eventually form a common ground where we all can work together.
“Diversity allows for the exchange of ideas that can be used to create inclusive policies, events, and groups to make sure that everyone has a voice.”
Jeremiah Shropshire, benefits leave manager
Meet Alexondria Pretty, senior HRIS analyst
How important is diversity to you?
Diversity brings unique ideas, backgrounds and perspectives to the table. It also creates a strong, successful and cohesive environment for employees to excel in and give their valuable insights. This helps us see the world in new ways by opening our doors to each other and creating a more inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. It allows me to expand my worldview and gain new insights, while also providing a space where different voices and ideas can be heard and appreciated.
What are your thoughts on diversity at JELD-WEN?
I believe that a diverse team is essential at JELD-WEN. Diversity in the workplace is important to creating and retaining a strong and engaged workforce. It allows JELD-WEN to recognize and leverage the unique qualities that each employee possesses and encourages creativity and innovative thinking.
“When we embrace our differences, we cannot only unlock new ideas and solutions, but we can truly appreciate and celebrate each other's unique backgrounds and perspectives.”
Alexondria Pretty, senior HRIS analyst