When
people ask her what she does as a part of the DE&I team she
responds: "I
help to create a culture where everybody feels valued and respected. That's my job, along with my
amazing team." Alma
also emphasizes that "At
the end, that responsibility belongs to everybody in the organization. We could not be doing anything
alone or by ourselves. We need everybody's support."
HARMAN's DE&I
department plays a pivotal role in shaping the organizational culture. Initially, DE&I efforts
were
predominantly
focused on
gender representation, given the industry's historical lack of women in the field. So,
the company’s first
employee resource
group
(ERG), HARMAN Women’s Network, was created.
"It’s now
eleven years
strong," LaNeisha mentions.
Since the creation of
that first ERG, DE&I efforts have
expanded to
include a
broader spectrum of diversity,
seeing the
launch of
the HARMAN Black
Professionals Network and HARMAN Pride, addressing the needs of people of color and
LGBTQ+ communities.
In addition to these
employee-led
ERGs, the DE&I team works to celebrate and educate around
the many dimensions of
diversity in the workplace, including neurodiversity, disabilities, generations,
allyship and
more.
The DE&I team
also
partners closely with
business leaders to drive internal best practices that will strengthen the inclusive culture we strive
for. From
inclusive interviewing
and leading, to mentorship programs and implicit bias training, there are opportunities for everyone
to
play their part in
putting DE&I into action.
DE&I
efforts in Harman are not confined to a global perspective but also encompass regional considerations,
acknowledging different countries' unique dynamics and challenges. This inclusive approach aims to
create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered, regardless of
background.
"I believe
there's something truly special about peeling back the layers and discovering who someone is
outside of their professional role.
It's about tapping into
their passions, understanding their struggles, and acknowledging their aspirations. By doing so, we
can better meet their needs, foster a sense of belonging, and create an environment where everyone
feels seen, heard, and appreciated,"
Women in Tech: A Continuing Journey of Empowerment
It's important to recognize
the evolving landscape of the technology industry, especially with the advent of artificial
intelligence. Alma highlighted the ongoing relevance of discussing women in tech, given persistent
challenges
like underrepresentation,
the gender pay gap, and work-life balance issues. Despite the progress made,
there's a continuous need to address these
challenges.
"As
the world changes and new generations emerge, we must adapt quickly to the evolving dynamics,
particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence," "As the world
changes and new generations
emerge, we must adapt
quickly to the evolving dynamics, particularly with the rise of artificial
intelligence, says Alma.
So, the discussion
remains pertinent for the future, because "there
is a root problem" as LaNeisha
emphasizes. Despite some
important
progress, the
importance of engaging young women to cultivate their interest in STEM fields
remains
crucial for the
future of the field. In Laneisha's opinion, gender equity in tech is not just a matter of
fairness but also an essential
component of tapping into
diversity of
thought amongst future HARMAN candidates.
Building a Brighter Future @HARMAN
HARMAN's
future
plans
for diversity, equity, and inclusion involve a multifaceted approach that adapts to the evolving
landscape. Looking ahead, HARMAN is committed to furthering its efforts in
recognizing and addressing the unique
experiences and challenges faced by individuals who hold multiple marginalized
identities.
Furthermore, as a
global company, we recognize the importance of considering regional dynamics in our DE&I
strategy. Each region has its unique cultural, legal, and economic context, which influences
diversity and inclusion efforts. This is why we aim to tailor all our initiatives to address
each region's specific needs and challenges. By embracing a region-specific approach,
HARMAN aims to create an inclusive workplace culture that respects and
celebrates
the diversity
of its global workforce.
As
HARMAN continues to champion diversity and inclusion, Alma and LaNeisha stand at the forefront,
driving meaningful change and inspiring a generation of innovators to come. Join us
today! Check out
our career opportunities here!
