Introducing The Diversity Directive

“Creating and managing a diverse workforce is a process, not a destination.” – Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr.

Diverse thought fosters innovation, which is why NPower's Command Shift Coalition recently launched the Diversity Directive. This groundbreaking resource was created to provide guidance, strategies, relevant case studies, and more to meet companies where they are on their DEI journeys.

A recent survey conducted by our Command Shift Coalition found that a staggering 75% of American adults think that US companies have not fulfilled their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) commitments made during the pandemic. One-fourth of respondents also admitted uncertainty about what actions companies should take to address DEI initiatives. 

In response to these findings, we are thrilled to introduce the Diversity Directive—a groundbreaking digital resource that serves as a comprehensive guide for companies seeking to improve their DE&I efforts and increase the representation of women of color in their workforce. The Diversity Directive aims to equip companies with an extensive array of guidance, strategies, relevant case studies, and data to support their journey toward fostering more inclusive and diverse workplaces, addressing a critical need for positive change within the industry. 

These core strategies are broken down into four toolkits for readers:

• Measurement: "Disrupt your DEI by the Numbers" offers actionable steps to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging through thoughtful data collection and analysis.
• Hiring: "Shift Towards Inclusive Hiring" guides companies in addressing employment-related biases, recognizing them, and avoiding them in the hiring process. 
• Investment: "Shift Towards Transformational Investment" highlights the successful implementation of strategic investments that create alternative pathways for diverse candidates.
• Retention and Advancement: "Shift Towards Equitable Culture" offers a range of strategies and programs to promote the retention and advancement of Black, Latina, and Native American women within the technology sector. 

By leveraging the valuable resources provided by the Diversity Directive, companies can take tangible steps towards meaningful and lasting change, benefitting their employees, their businesses, and society as a whole. To access the Diversity Directive and learn more about the work Command Shift is a part of, visit www.commandshift.org/diversitydirective.

NPower & Command Shift across the USA

Throughout the month of July, NPower and Command Shift voices appeared across the nation. Here are some highlights of events and conferences we’ve attended from the month:

Washington D.C.: Bertina Ceccarelli, Chief Executive Officer at NPower, spoke at the AstrumU Forum for Education & Enterprise about why companies need to move toward a more skills-based approach to hiring and the collaborative efforts leaders must make to ensure change on a larger scale. The conversation included a look into how AI can support building the skills-based economy, as companies rethink how they hire and retain talent.

Virtual:  Candice L. Dixon, Executive Director of Command Shift spoke at Talent Acquisition Week, a virtual conference aimed toward recruiting and human resources professionals. Her session, Equation for Equality: Diversify Talent Pools, and Retain, Support, and Promote Diverse Talent for Long Term Success discussed the importance of elevating underrepresented communities in the tech and introduced the Diversity Directive - Command Shift’s new toolkit to help companies fulfill their DEI commitments and help women of color thrive in the workplace.

NPower Alumni Spotlight

Jessica Luna-Miranda

NPower California Graduate Tech Fundamentals Fall 2022

Associate Technology Support Analyst, Deloitte

Born in Mexico City and raised in the US foster care system, Jessica was inspired early-on to pursue a career in social services and give back to the system that raised her. She completed a BA degree in Sociology during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, and quickly dove into building her career in social work. While her job working with at-risk youth in foster care was rewarding, she had stifled an interest in tech due to lack of guidance and support, and she felt like she had settled for a career because it was what she knew best. Jessica feels that finding NPower has completely changed her life trajectory. She worked full-time while attending NPower, spending many sleepless nights staying up late studying to make her tech dreams a reality. Despite many personal challenges and setbacks, Jessica not only completed the NPower program and reached her certification goals, but fulfilled her goal of moving to the Bay Area and now has a job as an Associate Technology Support Analyst with Deloitte.

“NPower has given me the skillset, support, and confidence I need to continue growing, reach my goals, and in due time help others break into the tech world as well.”

NPower & Command Shift in the News

Forbes: Tied to the launch of our exciting new resource, The Diversity Directive, check out Candice Dixon’s extensive Q&A with Forbes reporter Mark Perna about the lack of consumer trust in DE&I commitments, and actions companies can take to make meaningful change and boost diversity within their organizations.

HR Technology News: New Data From NPower’s Command Shift Coalition Reveals That 75% Of U.S. Consumers Mistrust Companies’ DEI Commitments