CEO Founder’s` Pledge for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)

Personal Statement

I, Abhay Wadhwa, CEO & Founder of SOULSARA, affirm my unwavering commitment to embedding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into the very fabric of our organization. At SOULSARA, leadership is not just about setting strategic direction—it is about driving a culture that champions these values in every facet of our workplace. I recognize the power of leadership as a platform to drive meaningful change and create an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

Equality and the intrinsic worth of all living beings have been integral to my values, inspired by visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, and contemporary changemakers. At SOULSARA, our mission transcends backgrounds—what matters most is how each individual innovates, asks questions, spreads happiness, and challenges the status quo to create a better future for all.

Global Importance

In today’s interconnected world, where businesses are global citizens, DEIB is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. These principles lay the foundation for resilient, innovative organizations. At SOULSARA, we aim to reflect the world’s diversity, drawing from global DEIB successes such as Norway’s gender quotas and Rwanda’s reconciliation efforts, to create a workplace that fosters inclusivity and belonging.

The Pillars of Our Commitment

• 1. Diversity
  • Workforce Representation We pledge to recruit talent from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Diversity is not a box to check but an invaluable strength that enriches our organization.
  • Inclusive CultureOur focus extends beyond hiring. We are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives thrive, talents are nurtured, and every voice is heard. This inclusivity will be embedded across all levels and functions of SOULSARA.
• 2. Equity
  • Equal OpportunityThis 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.
  • Pay EquityWe recognize the systemic wage disparities that exist and pledge to address these through rigorous, data-driven analyses to eliminate inequities across gender, ethnicity, and other dimensions.
• 3. Inclusion
  • Blind Recruitment PracticesWe commit to adopting unbiased recruitment methods, focusing solely on skills and qualifications to minimize unconscious bias.
  • Diverse Talent SourcingWe will actively engage with underrepresented communities and institutions to ensure our talent pool reflects the richness of global society.
• 4. Belonging
  • Fostering ConnectionWe are dedicated to creating a workplace where every individual feels a sense of belonging. This includes celebrating differences, encouraging collaboration, and building trust across the organization.
  • Psychological SafetyWe will prioritize psychological safety by cultivating a culture of openness, where employees feel safe to express ideas, voice concerns, and bring their authentic selves to work.

Tangible Actions

• 1. Employee Development
  • Internal Promotions and MentorshipI 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.
  • Skill-BuildingI 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.
• 2. Accountability
  • Quarterly DEIB Reporting: We will publish transparent DEIB reports benchmarked against industry standards to measure our progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Annual Employee Feedback: Anonymous surveys will be conducted to assess employee satisfaction and refine our DEIB initiatives.
• 3. Community Engagement
  • Supplier Diversity: We will prioritize partnerships with businesses from underrepresented communities, amplifying economic inclusion.
  • Social Responsibility: Our resources will support initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized groups and fostering societal equity.

My Promise

• 1. Sustained Efforts This pledge marks the beginning of an ongoing journey. We will adapt our strategies to meet emerging challenges and remain steadfast in our commitment to DEIB.
• 2. Open Dialogue We will actively seek feedback on our DEIB efforts, celebrating successes while learning from shortcomings. Transparency and collaboration will guide our progress.
• 3. Building Belonging At SOULSARA, belonging is not an afterthought but a priority. We will work tirelessly to ensure that every individual feels seen, heard, and valued within our community.

Invitation to Collaborate I invite every employee, partner, and stakeholder to join me in making SOULSARA a sanctuary of wellness and inclusivity. Together, we can build a world where diversity is celebrated, equity is upheld, inclusion is practiced, and belonging is a shared experience.

Abhay Wadhwa
CEO & Founder, SOULSARA