As data has shown, disadvantaged groups are notably underrepresented and underpaid across all industries. The educational and professional opportunities for women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and persons with disabilities, are still not where they need to be in order to even the playing field. Furthermore, those who are able to get their foot in the door are still not compensated fairly. It is our responsibility as business owners and civic leaders to highlight inequalities, demand change and advocate for initiatives that improve opportunities for all members of our community.
Fostering a workforce that reflects our cultural melting pot is critical to your employees, clients and customers. Research has proven that organizations with employees of different backgrounds and experiences outperform those that don’t, regardless of the industry. Our businesses should reflect the communities we serve as the City of Philadelphia encompasses a rich tapestry of citizens. Aptly named the City of Brotherly (and Sisterly!) Love, Philadelphia is a place that celebrates our differences, and seeks to improve the welfare for all walks of life.
IF YOU’RE A BUSINESS AND YOU AREN’T TALKING ABOUT DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN YOUR ORGANIZATION THEN IT’S TIME YOU START.
– Fran Griesing – Managing Member
Through my involvement with the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, I’ve seen a commitment to providing education, training and employment resources to Philadelphians of all backgrounds. As a member of the Chamber’s Roadmap for Growth Advisory Committee, we focus on encouraging business opportunities in neighborhoods across the city, including formulating strategies for commercial growth and partnerships for businesses of all sizes. There has also been a significant push to acknowledge and encourage businesses with a strong commitment to diversity who are paving the way for more equitable workplaces.
Personally, as a woman practicing for over 35 years in the male-dominated field of law, I’m honored to be part of an expanding network of women and minority-owned law firms sprouting up in Philadelphia and around the country. There has been an influx of support and resources for boutique firms like mine, including Women Owned Law, a national networking group founded in Philadelphia for women-owned law firms and their supporters to exchange knowledge and refer work. I am also active in national organizations for diverse attorneys, including the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms, both of which aim to build an inclusive legal profession by fostering relationships between corporate in-house counsel and diverse law firms.
Our Firm is also certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and involved in the local chapter which offers programming and a referral network for women-owned businesses in our region. Due to the support of these organizations, our Firm has been able to thrive and grow over the past eight years in business. I am eager to watch as more diverse businesses like ours continue to push the envelope and fill in the talent gaps that will continue to make our businesses and our city better.
