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The power of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Creating a culture of belonging

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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.”

2025 DEI Annual Report

Plante Moran's 2025 Annual DEI Report.

We’re proud to showcase Plante Moran’s commitment to DEI and highlight the positive impact of its initiatives on staff and the broader community. In this report, you’ll read about:

  • The firm’s commitment to fostering a sense of connection among staff.
  • How we’re broadening the pipeline of diverse talent and engaging with higher education.
  • How we’re connecting with the communities where we live.
  • The staff resource groups and initiatives that help our people thrive.
  • Our future goals, emphasizing the importance of working together to create a great workplace for all.
View the report nowDownload the report

Diversity, equity, and inclusion insights:

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Student sitting at a desk in a library doing homework.
April 12, 2023

Plante Moran partners with the Center for Audit Quality’s Accounting+ program

Plante Moran recently partnered with the Center for Audit Quality on their new Accounting+ program, a campaign to help high school and college students understand the possibilities of a career in accounting.
Article / 1 min read
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
Headshot of Hawzien Gebremedhin.
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
Image of a woman leading a meeting
November 18, 2022

Women in Leadership: Intentionality spurs progress

In most firms, women and men aren’t seeing parity at higher levels. How is Plante Moran combating this trend? Through deliberate action.
Article / 4 min read
Staff headshot
February 18, 2021

Creating “aha” moments one staff member at a time

How does our firm tackle inclusion, diversity, and race at work? With the expertise, dedication, and passion of PMers like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant Ashley Parker-Ozier.
Article / 6 min read
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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.

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.

Staff resource groups

Collage image of Plante Moran DEI staff resource groups.

Our staff resource groups (SRGs) are designed to help group members feel a sense of inclusion and belonging. We do this by helping 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 leadership.

"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 seven SRGs: Pride, African Americans, Veterans, Satellite (remote staff), Unidos (Latin/Hispanic staff), and Minds of All Kinds (staff with neurodiverse attributes). 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."

DEI in the news

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Two colleagues talking in a modern office.
January 10, 2024

Plante Moran named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

Newsweek has recognized Plante Moran as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024.”
In The News / 1 min read
Business professionals meeting in a lounge area having an informal discussion
December 13, 2023

Without accountability, DEI initiatives will fail

In Accounting Today, Plante Moran DEI Leader Hawzien Gebremedhin shares the importance of accountability in DEI workplace initiatives.
In The News / 1 min read
Professional photo of Paul Bryant.
November 13, 2023

Partner Paul Bryant named as one of Crain’s 2023 Notable Leaders in DEI

Crain’s Detroit Business has named Plante Moran Partner Paul Bryant as a 2023 Notable Leader in DEI.
In The News / 1 min read

Contact us

Headshot of Hawzien Gebremedhin. Hawzien Gebremedhin

Manager

Photo of Lou Longo Lou Longo

Partner