The power of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Creating a culture of belonging

We strive to create a culture where each person feels accepted and valued. We believe that each person’s ultimate potential begins with first acknowledging their inherent dignity. When we can recognize — and celebrate — our many human differences, we’re able to create a workplace where all staff feel a sense of belonging and an opportunity to succeed. This allows us to attract and retain the best talent, serve clients through diverse thinking, and better represent and support the various communities in which we live and work.

What does diversity, equity, and inclusion mean at Plante Moran?

Diversity: We value the unique identities and experiences of our staff.
Equity: Everyone has an equitable and fair opportunity to succeed.
Inclusion: Each staff member can proudly say, “I know I belong here.”

2023 DEI Annual Report

Our staff have shown us they have an appetite for more in the DEI space. More listening. More learning. More action. And it’s our staff’s commitment to increased growth that’s powered our efforts over the last year. In this report, you’ll discover:

The high points of our DEI journey
How our staff resource groups are increasing inclusion
How we’re recruiting more diverse staff
The ways we’re holding leaders accountable
Our efforts to create lasting change

View the report now

Diversity, equity, and inclusion insights:

A group of multiethnic business professionals meeting together and smiling.

October 26, 2022

DEI: Pushing past discomfort to achieve real change

In this video, two experts who have dedicated their careers to organizational DEI efforts share guidance for creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for everyone.

Video / 50 min watch

March 04, 2022

Bringing intentionality to diversity, equity, and inclusion

“If not me, then who?” is DEI Leader Hawzien Gebremedhin’s motto. Learn how this focus and her background have ignited her passion to create inclusive workspaces.

Article / 5 min read

Man wearing headphones using a laptop computer.

May 27, 2021

Beyond fast food: Students with autism find careers through the Exceptional Academy

John Ferella, graduate of the Exceptional Academy, was recently hired for a full-time position in our cybersecurity practice. Where the Exceptional Academy provides skills training, it takes the buy-in of local businesses to offer these students meaningful careers.

Article / 4 min read

September 03, 2021

Looking for a place where you belong?

Join Our Team

Where all staff members can grow and succeed

From more inclusive onboarding experiences to more equitable advancement opportunities to critical work-life balance supports, these groups are dedicated to propelling our firm along its DEI journey and ensuring that everyone is empowered to have a rewarding career.

DEI Council

Formed in 2003, Plante Moran’s DEI Council was established to guide the firm toward long-term success and growth in diversity practices. We recognize that when you increase your retention of diverse staff, you build a pipeline of diverse future leaders of the firm. The Council integrates our staff resource groups, Women in Leadership, and our WorkFlex Committee under one umbrella to ensure we’re effectively leveraging staff and sharing best practices, tools, and resources across the firm.

“We’ve made tremendous strides in this space, and I’m proud of that. I’m equally excited to build on that momentum to move forward,” said DEI Council Chair Lou Longo. “This is not a destination. It’s a journey we’re all on together with opportunities for continuous learning. I see this position as an honor and a responsibility, and I hope to do right by the firm.”

Women in Leadership

Our Women in Leadership (WIL) initiative is aimed at increasing the visibility of women leaders internally and externally, providing targeted developmental career opportunities to retain and advance women leaders, and supporting partners in giving high-potential female staff growth and development opportunities.

And is this initiative making a difference? Absolutely. Women now make up 27.9% of all partners, compared to 17% when WIL was first formed. And our female mentoring program has seen a 300% increase in participation.

Staff Resource Groups

Our staff resource groups (SRGs) are designed to help group members feel a sense of inclusion and belonging. We do this through a variety of efforts that help them expand their networks, nurture their professional development, and provide career support. This grassroots effort is staff-driven, so groups are requested and led by staff versus firm leaderships.

“Though autonomous, all of our SRGs have a similar vision: to help our diverse staff feel seen, heard, and supported,” said DEI Leader Hawzien Gebremedhin. “We currently have four SRGs: Pride, African American, Veterans, and Satellite, and have plans to add three more in 2022. We understand that our SRGs are crucial to help our diverse staff members feel a deeper sense of community while building a more inclusive workspace for all.”

WorkFlex Committee

An essential component of the WorkFlex Committee is the idea that we all need to be flexible. What works one week for work-life balance might look different the following week or the following year. The key is to be adaptable and open to changing circumstances.

That’s where WorkFlex comes in. Developed to support staff in their ongoing quest for work-life balance, the program has been the catalyst for a number of initiatives, from our business casual dress policy, to a host of alternative working arrangements, to a “buddy” program to support new parents — all in the name of helping staff find their balance.