About
Our Mission
To create a competitive advantage in Oregon and southwest Washington (Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties) by attracting, retaining and developing diversity influencers and professionals of color.
Partners in Diversity (PiD) works with employers to address critical needs for achieving and empowering a workforce that reflects the rapidly changing demographics of the Pacific Northwest. We accomplish these goals through educational programs, a career center and resources for CEOs, human resources professionals and diversity influencers. PiD also helps recently relocated professionals of color connect with the multicultural community through major networking events such as our signature Say Hey! event, civic engagement opportunities, social media and personal relationships.
PiD conducts regular scientific research that inform the ways in which Oregon and southwest Washington employers can successfully diversify and retain multicultural talent. The Workforce Diversity Project, completed in 2017, and the Diversity Retention Project, completed in 2020, reveal key findings to the why employers struggle with recruitment and retention, and provides solutions to better recruiting and retention strategies.
Partners in Diversity is a membership-based organization that operates as an affiliate of the Portland Business Alliance Charitable Institute, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.
VISION
A thriving, diverse, and welcoming community in which all people can work and live.
VALUES
- Equity
- Integrity
- Courage
HISTORY
In 2005, major employers in Oregon and Southwest Washington joined forces as the Portland Workplace Diversity Task Force to cooperatively support more diversity in the workplace and in the community. Inspired by a coming shift in demographics described by the 2000 U.S. Census, the task force sought to examine regional information and develop a business case for corporate diversity initiatives. The result was a strategic plan which integrates the many ongoing initiatives in the region under one umbrella with a strong business focus. From there, Partners in Diversity was formalized to take this plan forward.
Leadership Council
The Partners in Diversity Leadership Council comprises senior level leaders who are advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion, exemplifies our values, and are passionate about helping professionals of color succeed. They contribute to the strategic plan of Partners in Diversity and ensure its success. Each Leadership Council member serves on one or more standing committees.
Staff
Community Engagement & Advisory Committee
The Community Engagement & Advisory Committee is a volunteer group DEI champions from outside organizations who provide feedback and guidance to Partners in Diversity staff, serve as liaison within their work organizations to raise awareness, and help with initiatives that support professionals of color.
| Name | Employer | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Shannon Aniciete (co-chair) | Portland State University | ||
| Melinda Rogers (co-chair and Leadership Council liaison) | NW Natural | ||
| Josephine Davis | OnPoint Community Credit Union | ||
| Scott Kleiner | Wieden+Kennedy | ||
| Sheila Sahu | Clean Water Services | ||
| Annalise Servin | ChickTech | ||
| Joshua Thomas | Oregon Food Bank | ||
| Dr. Mariana Zaragoza | Oregon Department of Education |