SJI shows its commitment to cultural awareness with DEI+B Summit

South Jersey Industries, in a continuing commitment to diversity and inclusion in its company, recently hosted its 2nd annual DEI+B Summit.

The full-day event featured interactive workshops, virtual sessions and speakers who provided employees of SJI with actionable tips and insights to support the company’s mission of fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where employees feel a sense of belonging and are comfortable bringing their whole selves to work each day.

“SJI is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at all levels of our organization,” Chief Diversity Officer Shawn Abner Purnell said. “This event is a great opportunity for us to engage our employees across the organization, to drive alignment with the business and to increase awareness, growth, development and interconnectedness in the DEI+B space.”

Abner said SJI’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is rooted in three tenets: talent, supplier diversity, and community partnerships.

Company officials say these tenets continue to act as the foundation of its program and represent its overall DEI+B strategy. SJI supports this strategy by helping employees connect with one another in meaningful ways, offering helpful inclusion training and development resources, providing education on wellness programs and encouraging meaningful discussions.

Beyond this event and the DEI+B team’s efforts, Abner said SJI’s Employee Resource Groups focus on inclusion and belonging efforts throughout the organization.

SJI has six employee resource groups, including:

  • American Association of Blacks in Energy – South Jersey Chapter;
  • Women’s Leadership Initiative;
  • Veterans Engagement Team;
  • Green Team;
  • Power of Pride;
  • Emerging Leaders.

These groups are dedicated to helping drive employee engagement, fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace, developing future leaders and broadening partnerships in the communities SJI serves, Abner Purnell said.

During the event, SJI recognized the “Inclusion Catalysts of the Year,” outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at our organization and within our communities – through their voices, advocacy, and visibility.

The following employees and groups were recognized:

  • Shana McCarron, Lead Talent Management Specialist;
  • J.D. Dreyer, IT Support Specialist III;
  • IT Team, led by Mike Bizzoco, VP, Information Technology;
  • Christina Teel-King, Senior Customer Outreach Specialist;
  • Daisy Trocan, Senior Customer Outreach Specialist;
  • Green Team Employee Resource Group, co-led by Margo Carr, Manager,
  • Environmental and Caitlin Bast, Senior Environmental Specialist, Environmental.

Chris Fitzpatrick, a DEI+B expert who served as the keynote speaker, stressed DEI efforts must include everyone.

“Regardless of your title or role, we all share a responsibility to foster inclusivity and embrace a growth mindset,” he said. “When we create an environment where every voice is valued and every person is empowered to grow, we strengthen not just our company but our entire community.”

For more information about SJI’s DEI+B programs, click here.