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Diversity

People

Diversity speaks to the heart and soul of how an organization values human differences and takes actions to be inclusive. The result is an organization that is better equipped and responsive to changes occurring in the marketplace.

The benefits of diversity can only take root if we have a strong leadership commitment to support the process of inclusion at all levels.

— Equilla Wainwright
Vice President
Diversity and Inclusion

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Michigan Blue Cross Flash Mob at Detroit River Days

Demographics

Our country is becoming increasingly diverse, as is our workforce. In the United States, 20 percent of the workforce is comprised of people of color and almost 50 percent of the workforce is women. At BCBSM, 40 percent of our employees are people of color and more than 74 percent are women.

Two pie charts visually demonstrating that at BCBSM, 40 percent of our employees are people of color and another chart which demonstrates that 74 percent of our workforce are women.

Half of our leadership development “pipeline” is made up of women in higher management (director and up) positions, while 41 percent of our vice presidents are women. Seven women serve on our 35-member board of directors.

Three pie charts visually demonstrating that at BCBSM, 50 percent of our higher management positions (director and up) are held by women, another chart shows that 41 percent of our vice presidents are women and a third chart shows that seven women serve on our 35-member board of directors.

Diversity survey

The Diversity Council commissioned the enterprise employee Diversity and Inclusion Survey, which provides benchmark information to use in planning and guiding decisions about our diversity and inclusion efforts. The survey measured employee knowledge, awareness and perceptions about diversity and inclusion.

The results of the survey, along with other data about our workforce, were used to guide development of the three-year diversity and inclusion strategic plan. In addition, the results will be used to design future diversity initiatives.

Talent acquisition

We have a formal mentoring initiative designed to build leadership strength among a diverse group of mid-level female and male managers. Such efforts support our cultural transformation and our goal for promoting accountability and alignment with cultural beliefs.

In addition to building programs to develop current employees, we have initiatives in place that help us to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce. Recruiting and building strong relationships with independent entities such as schools, colleges, universities and professional organizations are a vital part of these initiatives. Some of our partnerships include:

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Keeping talent in Michigan takes collaboration and opportunity

  • Project SEARCH: BCBSM is the first Wayne County employer to partner with Project SEARCH, a national model of school-to-work transition enabling young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through training and career exploration.
  • INROADS Intern Program: A nonprofit organization that trains and develops talented minority students to achieve a strong workforce.
  • Summer Enrichment Program: A partnership with the University of Michigan that provides top minority students seeking careers in health care administration a summer internship with BCBSM.
  • BCBSM Summer Intern Program: A program that allows high performing college students the opportunity to sharpen their skills while gaining real world experience at a leading employer.

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