Ellequate, the nation’s leading employer certification and cohort-based leadership program for the workplace has recognized ArtWorks as a Leader in Workplace Equity.
“We recognize employers who are courageously committed to continuous improvement in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, by implementing data-driven strategies to ensure all employees can thrive,” said Nicole Armstrong, Ellequate’s CEO, and Founder.
Representatives from ArtWorks, a nonprofit that creates community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages, Karla Batres Gilvin, Director of Community Impact, Jane Keller, Senior Director of Finance and Talent, and Colleen Houston, CEO, and Artistic Director, participated in a 14-week program that included collaborative learning experiences, a rigorous policy assessment, and an employee survey.
As part of the process, the team hosted employee listening sessions, inviting colleagues from all areas of the organization to share their feedback and identify top priorities. In addition, Ellequate’s prescriptive analytics platform provided ArtWorks with targeted recommendations aimed at meeting the unique needs of its employees. As a result, ArtWorks developed a strategic 6-month and 2-year action plan. In addition, they were able to roll out the organization’s first-ever paid family leave policy in 2022.
“The listening sessions helped guide our team to understand what was most important to our employees and develop a plan that met their needs,” explained Houston. “We were excited to dig deep into our policies and make meaningful organizational change through this work.”
Employers can earn one of three certification levels: Bronze, Silver, or Gold. ArtWorks earned the Silver certification.
“We are thrilled to welcome ArtWorks into our community of changemakers,” said Emilie Meyer, Interim Program Manager. “Organizations like ArtWorks recognize the disparities that exist in workplaces, and they are prioritizing positive action in mitigating these inequities. Keep an eye on them—they are going places!”
To learn more, visit www.ellequate.com.
About Ellequate: Ellequate helps organizations become employers of choice by taking the guesswork out of DEI. The award-winning employer certification and cohort-based leadership program take a data-driven and human-centered approach, connecting policies, and practices to employee experience. Leveraging prescriptive analytics, collaborative learning experiences, and a community of peers and thought leaders, Ellequate provides visionary leaders with a roadmap—helping them turn insights into action to attract and retain top talent.
