HRchat Podcast Enhancing DEI Efforts with Charlene Thomas, UPS
In this HRchat, we talk about the DEI efforts at one of the best-known brands in the US and around the world: UPS
Bill's guest this time is Charlene Thomas. Charlene serves as Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for UPS and is a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.
Her role signals a significant step forward for UPS as the company strives to create a more inclusive and equitable company. Charlene leads UPS's global diversity, equity and inclusion efforts both internally and externally with UPS employees, suppliers and customers around the world.
Prior to being named Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Charlene served as the Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role, she guided UPS’s transformation and HR initiatives to optimize the talent, leadership and culture for the company’s 540,000+ employees worldwide.
Questions Include:
- Talk about your career path and rise to Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at UPS.
- I understand that you are UPS's first-ever chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. What challenges and opportunities does that create for you?
- How has being CHRO prepared you for your role in DEI, as Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer?
- In 2021 Black employees comprised 24% of the U.S. workforce at UPS, and 46% of its employees are diverse. When it comes to senior and middle management in the U.S., 34% are minorities. By comparison, 49% of FedEx's U.S. workforce is diverse, and 36% of its management is comprised of minorities, according to the company's website. What are you and the board doing to bridge this gap?
- employee advocates
- In an interview for UPS, you shared your hopes for ways UPSers can explore the challenges women face when climbing the corporate ladder, and how men can become advocates for women in the workplace. Tell me about this.
- You are also a member of the Board of Trustees at the National Urban League. Briefly tell us about the mission and how it helps to elevate the standards of living for African Americans and other historically underserved groups.
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