A Whole New World: Southern Company is Committed to Advancing Equity One Community at a Time
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Posted By: S. Moore on January 04, 2023 Talking the talk is one thing, but walking the walk is another. Southern Company is walking the walk by taking action to pursue a more equitable and inclusive future for its customers, communities, and employees. Southern Company launched its ‘Moving to Equity’ framework in 2020 amid national conversations around racism and inequality. After a period of listening, learning, and understanding, the company’s Management Council decided to focus its efforts on five key areas: talent, workplace environment, community, political engagement, and supplier diversity. In 2022, Southern Company released its inaugural “Transformation Report: Moving to Equity”, a complete framework outlining the company’s specific commitments to uplifting and strengthening communities that have been historically underserved. From advancing educational equity to building an inclusive internal culture, Southern Company has proven to be deeply connected to its aim of advancing justice and equity. HBCU Support Southern Company has committed $50 million to a multi-year plan that invests in HBCUs by providing scholarships, internships, leadership development and access to technology and resources to support students and increase career readiness across the more than 100 HBCU campuses. “We are incredibly encouraged by the future possibilities presented through our support of HBCUs,” said Chris Womack, president of Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company. “By investing in better outcomes, we create new opportunities for the students of today to become the leaders of a more prosperous tomorrow.” Additionally, Southern Company and Apple are founding partners in the Propel Center, a global innovation and technology hub. The center provides HBCU students with the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources necessary to transform our nation’s talent pipeline and future workforce. The Propel Center campus will be situated within the Atlanta University Center (AUC), which comprises Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, and Morehouse School of Medicine. Equity In Energy Southern Company believes the communities they serve should be better off because they are there. A part of that belief is ensuring we provide equitable access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy. The company identified energy justice as a focus area in its work to advance social justice. The energy justice work includes providing energy assistance, job training, and economic support for communities, particularly disadvantaged ones. Southern Company, its subsidiaries, and charitable foundations have committed $225 million through 2025. Of that commitment, $25 millionis dedicated explicitly to energy justice initiatives. A Culture Of Belonging Internally, the company is committed to ensuring its 27,000 employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Southern Company has increased its efforts to recruit, retain and develop diverse talent with the goal of having its workforce mirror the diverse communities they serve. Southern Company is advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in all areas of the company. SOURCE Yahoo News If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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