Careers

Why did I want to join the DE&I Team when it was first being discussed being formed?  It is simple, every company can do a better job accepting all people and their experiences.  The one thing I did not know about myself before this group was implemented is that everyone (including me) has unconscious biases. And understanding this has made me a better human being.

Throughout my career, not just at RMC, I have witnessed comments, jokes, and actions among co-workers and others that disparaged people based solely on ethnicity, gender, culture, or ability. In many of those instances, I was not aware of a procedure or disciplinary action that could be taken to address the actions. I also did not feel that the culture of the places rejected the type of behavior.  When I heard about the DE & I group forming and given the many national events of the prior year, I thought that volunteering for this group would open the opportunity to contribute to the creation of policies or training to help strengthen our corporate culture regarding diversity and inclusion. Through involvement in the team, I have witnessed how more people have been affected by the disparaging actions of others. I was also impressed with the diversity of the team. I learned to recognize my own unconscious biases and that diversity and inclusion cannot be mandated or forced on others. Instead of that, we need to focus on common goals and teach how diversity adds value to the company. 

When I was asked to join the DE&I team, I jumped at the opportunity to do so because I wanted to be a part of something that could make some positive changes in the way that people of color are stereotyped. I realized very quickly that stereotypes happen on all fronts, and that I may be guilty of doing this as well. We are all comfortable with associating ourselves with people that share the same background as us, and have to be willing to get uncomfortable to get a better understanding of others outside of our comfort zone.

Supporting diversity efforts and driving a culture of inclusion were critical decision factors for me when I decided to join RMC last year.  Within a month of my start date, I asked for volunteers to join an RMC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team and I was not disappointed with the turnout!  Over the course of several months, this team has grown in our knowledge of the topic and through our openness, has created a place where every member has equal footing, contributes to the overall effort, and has become a very close-knit group where all can be their true selves.  We are all passionate in that we’d love everyone at RMC to feel this way when performing their work and we are excited to bring this important effort forward.

I was proud to be asked to be a part of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team.  I believe the only way for change to happen is to engage in the tough conversations people/companies naturally want to avoid discussing.  It is comforting to see that upper management is willing to show some vulnerability in order to facilitate change for those who may feel discriminated or marginalized against.   I believe in the greater good of mankind, and in most instances, when we know better we do better!

I’m excited to join a team focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion focused on positively impacting change to our culture. I want to be part of a team that wants to build a workplace that works better – for everyone. I look forward to learning from our differences to make RMC a better community for all.