Reflections on the year

As I near the end of my first year as UPS’s chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, I want to take a moment to say thank you. To the suppliers, customers, employees, communities, investors and everyone we work with, you have strengthened our culture and helped us deliver what matters this year.

The feeling of belonging is one of our deepest needs. Occasions that round out the year like Veterans Day and International Day of Persons with Disabilities remind me why creating a just and equitable world matters.

• ?It’s to welcome those historically left on the fringes of society with open arms.
• It’s to recognize the opportunities to keep doing better and never assume we’ve “made it.”
• And it’s to create a sense of community where people can be themselves and see themselves.

Retired Lieutenant General Leslie Smith who spoke at UPS recently said it best, “We are responsible and accountable for those who work for us.”

And this goes beyond our current employees – to college students with invisible disabilities looking for a place to hone their talents, to our dedicated customers who hustle harder than anyone we know and to the many historically underrepresented communities who have grown alongside us. Crafting an environment for people with different needs and abilities doesn’t just feel meaningful … it makes our company detect risks better and implement more resilient decisions.

And you’ve helped us get here.

From left to right, UPS’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Charlene Thomas, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Leslie Smith and UPS Chief Legal and Compliance Officer Norm Brothers at the latest signing of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.        

That’s what our strategy statement #YouBelongAtUPS means to me – inclusion, resilience and growth.

It’s our responsibility to empower our partners through a culture of belonging and to deliver value for our shareholders. Both are not mutually exclusive.

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As we reflect on this incredible year, here are the top five partnerships that I’m immensely proud of:

1.??????Diversity, Black history highlighted in new book: ‘Black Voices from Big Brown’ excerpts shine light on perseverance of leading UPSers

2.??????Women behind the wheel: Female drivers share their perspective on the job and advice on sharing the road.

3.??????UPS teams up with Reggaeton’s global ambassador: J Balvin: Supporting small businesses … the heart of our communities

4.??????Professional and personal intersections: UPSer Latasha Griffin explains how multiple roles nurture growth

5.??????UPS helps small businesses deliver big impact: Building green solutions for sustainability-minded SMBs

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As you plan for 2022, what commitments or changes are you making to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in your organization?