Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | September 13, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 29 D I V E R S I T Y & I N C L U S I O N F O C U S web5.com | 800.696.9401 NMLS #523049 Whether your business is big, small, or in between, we know that no two companies are the same. Let us help you find the customized solutions that work for you. Contact our dedicated Business Banking team today! BUSINESS? Ready to do We're ready to help. A s a community bank, Webster Five builds an inclusive culture by welcoming the unique experiences and perspectives every- one brings to the organization. We are dedi- cated to nurturing an environment where employees feel accepted and valued and can bring their true selves to work every day. By embracing the richness of our diversity, we are creating a more fulfilling place for our employees, while better reflecting the communities we serve. At Webster Five, it starts with senior leadership set- ting the tone however, it is our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee that creates and drives most of our initiatives. We know that for our efforts to be successful, the perspectives and experiences of employees from across the organization must be considered. The DEI commit- tee is representative of our bank, and we are provided with the resources neces- sary to engage with our employees and community in creative, thought- ful ways. As co-chairs of the DEI Committee, Don Doyle our CEO, and I work together with committee members to develop and implement meaningful and relevant DEI initia- tives. Our committee is empowered to be agents of change for the organiza- tion. During the COVID-19 pandem- ic, we focused at finding inventive ways to advance our DEI goals of education and diversity awareness. For example, in February, in celebra- tion of Black History Month, one of our committee members developed an activity that celebrated a myriad of inventions by Black innovators and engaged employees by encouraging them to consider and experience the impact these inventions have on our everyday lives, from elevator doors and traffic lights to ice cream and peanut butter. Since then, committee members have continued to design and carry out initiatives across the bank that spark conversations, challenge biases, and work to engage, educate and inspire employees and our community. I believe that with an empowered and passionate employee resource group, any organization, regardless of size, can make substantial and meaningful prog - ress towards advancing their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. As inclusivity and equity become increasingly part of an organization's cultural DNA, this shared understanding opens the potential for change that will positively impact all stakeholders of an organization. Webster Five is deeply committed to focusing on DEI initiatives. While we have undertaken numerous actions related to DEI we know there is so much more to do. It is imperative that we continue looking at organizational policies and practices through the diversity, equity and inclusion lens so that everyone feels empowered to bring their true selves to work. Terri Flynn, HR Director and Chief Diversity Officer, Webster Five WEBSTER FIVE: The Value of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee "As inclusivity and equity become increasingly part of an organization's cultural DNA, this shared understanding opens the potential for change…." Terri Flynn Webster Five W Terri Flynn Special Sponsored Section

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