Chief Changemaker Pledge for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

 

Personal Statement

I, Abhay Wadhwa, Chief Changemaker of SOULSARA, am committed to making diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a cornerstone of our corporate ethos. I recognize that my leadership role is a platform to effect meaningful change.

 

Equality of all living beings has been a part of my upbringing, influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, and other contemporary activists. I value diversity in all its forms, and I don't care what your background is. What is important is how you can innovate, ask questions, create happiness, and challenge the zeitgeist.

 

Global Importance

In this interconnected world where businesses are increasingly global citizens, I acknowledge that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not merely ideals but necessities. These values are the bedrock upon which innovative and robust organizations are built. I aim to create a microcosm of the world at SOULSARA, incorporating the rich lessons from international DEI initiatives, be it Norway’s boardroom gender quotas or Rwanda’s community-led reconciliation processes.

 

The Pillars of My Commitment

 

 

 A. Diversity

1. Workforce Representation

I commit to actively recruiting from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. A diverse workforce is not a quota to fulfill but an invaluable asset.

 

2. Inclusive Culture

My aim is not just to bring diverse individuals into the company but to create an atmosphere that nurtures their talents and perspectives. I will ensure that diversity permeates all levels and departments of the organization.

 

 B. Equity

1. Equal Opportunity

This commitment extends beyond the hiring process. I pledge to create equitable pathways for professional development, ensuring all employees have access to opportunities and resources tailored to their unique needs.

 

2. Pay Equity

I acknowledge that systemic wage disparities persist across gender and ethnic lines. As a data-driven leader, I will rigorously analyze compensation metrics to root out and rectify these disparities.

 

 C. Tangible Actions

1. Hiring Practices
   1. Blind Recruitment

Recognizing that unconscious bias is a persistent issue, I commit to utilizing blind recruitment processes that focus on skills and qualifications, rather than names or backgrounds.

 

2. Diverse Talent Pools

To build a workforce that mirrors the global community, I pledge to source talent from historically underrepresented groups, partnering with organizations and educational institutions that support this vision.

 

D. Employee Development

 

1. Internal Promotions and Mentorship

I believe in the potential within our walls. I pledge to nurture this talent, offering mentorship programs and clear pathways for career advancement, regardless of one’s starting point in the company.

 

2. Skill-Building

I vow to provide resources, training programs, and workshops that are accessible to all employees, thereby ensuring that each individual has the tools they need to succeed.

 

E. Accountability

 

1. Quarterly DEI Reporting

I commit to regular, transparent reporting on our DEI efforts. These reports will be benchmarked against industry standards and, wherever possible, include comparative insights from DEI initiatives around the world.

 

2. Annual Employee Satisfaction Surveys

I pledge to conduct yearly, anonymous surveys focusing on DEI, using the data to continuously refine our approach.

 

F. Partnerships and External Commitments

 

1. Supplier Diversity
   1. Affirmative Procurement

I will prioritize business relationships with suppliers and partners from marginalized communities, recognizing that economic inclusion is a powerful catalyst for societal change.

 

2. Community Outreach
   1. Social Responsibility

I pledge to allocate resources and time to community initiatives aimed at empowering those who are economically or socially disadvantaged.

 

G. My Promise

 

1. Long-Term Commitment
   1. Sustained Efforts

I understand that signing this pledge is just the beginning. I am committed to making DEI an ongoing priority, continually revisiting and refining our strategies to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

 

2. Open Dialogue
   1. Transparency and Feedback

I promise to foster an environment where feedback on our DEI efforts is not just welcomed but actively sought. We will celebrate our successes and learn from our shortcomings, always maintaining an open channel of communication both within our organization and with the public.

 

I invite you to join me in this journey of making SOULSARA a wellness community that celebrates and empowers everyone. Together, we can make a difference in the world, one soul at a time.

 

Signature & Date

Abhay Wadhwa