It’s our differences that make us unique, and this uniqueness makes us stronger.
This month, Arkansas Money & Politics is recognizing those companies that have embraced diversity in their workplace. This diversity takes many forms, from skin color to sexual orientation, but also includes the disabled, veterans and more.
AMP readers nominated companies across Arkansas who have taken up the mantle of diversity in their workplaces and strive to make their workplace a more inclusive one. These don’t represent all the companies in Arkansas who make diversity a priority, but just a sampling from our readers.
MEGA COMPANY (1,000-PLUS EMPLOYEES)
Arkansas AARP
Arkansas AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. This means empowering all Arkansans, regardless of race and ethnicity, and acknowledging the challenges that each aging Arkansan faces. Arkansas AARP also works closely with diverse community projects through awarding grants.
Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield
Founded in 1948, Arkansas BlueCross and BlueShield, an independent licensee of the BlueCross and BlueShield Association, is the largest health insurer in Arkansas. Arkansas BlueCross and its family of affiliated companies have more than 3,200 employees. For more than 70 years, Arkansas BlueCross has been trusted by Arkansans for affordable, reliable insurance plans. With over 1,000 employees, Arkansas BlueCross and BlueShield works to create and maintain an environment where all employees feel welcome, valued and can thrive through monthly employee-led councils.
Arvest Bank
Headquartered in Bentonville, Arvest Bank has grown since the 1960s into one of the largest banking branches in Arkansas and its neighboring states. Arvest’s mission is to help people find financial solutions for life, and that means all people. Arvest is committed to fostering an environment of diverse thoughts and ideas where everyone feels included, respected and heard.
Acxiom
Founded in Conway in 1969, Acxiom is one of the world’s best marketing agencies, with a knack for data-driven, personalized and intelligent solutions to deliver better experiences for people everywhere. Acxiom takes diversity, equity and inclusion seriously, with over 40 external and internal DEI events every year and with quarterly surveys sent to employees to measure their progress.
FIS Global
Since 1968, FIS Global has been pushing the limits and strengths of financial technology from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. The folks at FIS make sure that everyone is able to access banking and payment information while developing cutting edge and innovative technology. There are more than 65,000 people at FIS, each representing a unique combination of age, gender, ability, race, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, beliefs, thinking styles, education, work & life experiences. FIS Global is committed to empowering every individual with the ability to plug into technology, manage their finances and better their quality of life.
Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods is a modern, multi-national, protein-focused food company producing approximately 20% of the beef, pork and chicken in the United States in addition to a portfolio of foods under the Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, BallPark®, Wright®, Aidell’s® and State Fair® brands. Tyson Foods celebrates the diversity of team members, whether that’s diversity in race, ethnicity or religion, or many more. Tyson’s unique chaplaincy programs span a diversity of faiths, and provide a listening ear for Tyson employees.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock is the only health sciences university in the state of Arkansas. UAMS is the state’s largest public employer with more than 10,000 employees in 73 of Arkansas’ 75 counties. In their commitment to diversity, UAMS has created a plethora of diversity committees and student groups that span races, ethnicities, genders and beliefs. UAMS also holds diverse and immerse cultural opportunities, such as International Fest.
Winrock International
Winrock is a nonprofit organization that implements a portfolio of more than 100 agriculture, environment and social development projects in over 40 countries. Winrock combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial innovation to improve lives around the globe. Winrock International’s commitment to diversity consists of a plan to recruit, hire, retain, and develop a workforce with diverse perspectives and initiatives
LARGE COMPANY (251 to 1,000 EMPLOYEES)
Arkansas Heart Hospital
Arkansas Heart Hospital has provided over a decade of leadership in heart treatment technologies, with recognition as a leading provider of quality heart care. The hospital is a nationally recognized and award-winning hospital dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. AHH patients have access to advanced technology and surgical techniques in a hospital specially designed for their treatment and recovery. Diversity, equity and inclusion are integral to Arkansas Heart Hospital’s mission to provide care in a welcoming environment and create an inclusive work environment where differences are valued, allowing individuals to achieve and contribute to their fullest potential. This commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of Arkansas Heart Hospital.
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks enhance the quality of life through exceptional outdoor experiences, connections to Arkansas heritage and sound resource management. The goal of Arkansas State Parks is for Arkansans to experience excellent hospitality and to form a personal connection to the parks. Arkansas State Parks is committed to diversity by honoring tradition while seeking innovation and inclusion, aiming for experiences to be treasured by all Arkansans and relevant for generations to come.
Southern Bancorp
Thirty years ago, some of rural America’s most underserved and distressed communities gained an economic development partner when visionaries such as Bill Clinton, Rob Walton, Mack McLarty, the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and others formed the Southern Development Bank Corporation, today known as Southern Bancorp. Southern Bancorp is devoted to ensuring that all Arkansans are able to have economic opportunity. One of Southern Bancorp’s founding pillars was to have a focus on building wealth in communities of color, and the organization has maintained and grown that commitment ever since.
United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas
United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas is a nonprofit organization based in Little Rock, and was incorporated in 1957 for parents of children with cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities who could not find assistance. UCP of Arkansas was founded with the acute awareness of the inequality that differences can cause when not enough people establish pathways for equity. Since its inception, UCP Arkansas has been committed to diversity and ensuring that all Arkansans live fulfilling lives.
USAble Life
USAble believes in making a meaningful difference in the lives of their customers and employees. They know they are only as strong as their teammates — a wonderfully diverse group. USAble celebrates that diversity and the value it brings to their organization. They want all employees to have a seat at the table to create an inclusive workplace for all. USAble is making extensive strides in their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts by establishing an Inclusion Council — co-chaired by Jim Casey, CEO — that is cross-functional, cross-location, cross- generational and multicultural.
MEDIUM COMPANY (51 to 250 EMPLOYEES)
Arkansas Myriad, Inc.
Arkansas Myriad Incorporated opened for business in 2003 performing specialty process and utility piping work specifically for the Industrial Market. Based out of Fayetteville, Arkansas, the family-owned business gained a positive reputation locally, which has grown the company nationally. Arkansas Myriad Inc. grew from the bottom up, thanks to a diverse community. Arkansas Myriad, Inc. is dedicated to diversity and inclusion in their community and in the office, for the betterment of the company and all Arkansans.
Apptegy
Apptegy is a revolutionary company that helps design digital programs for schools. Apptegy has boomed in success since its inception and continues to work for the good of all schools. Apptegy is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion by serving a diverse community of teachers of students, and by ensuring that all Arkansas students have the digital tools and experience needed to make a difference.
Thaden School
Thaden school is named in honor of Iris Louise McPhetridge Thaden (1905-1979). Born and raised in Bentonville, she was a proud Arkansan and one of the greatest aviators of her time. Her childhood home (McPhetridge House), which originally stood on West Central Avenue in downtown Bentonville, was saved from demolition in 2017 and now serves as the Thaden School Office of Admissions. Since its founding in 2017, Thaden School has advanced its mission to foster the civil exchange of ideas in the center of the country. By inviting and engaging many perspectives, Thaden School enlarges their students’ capacity for understanding and prepares them for responsible citizenship and leadership in a pluralistic and multicultural republic.
Aromatique
Aromatique, The Creator of Decorative Fragrance®, is situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains between the sparkling waters of Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River. It is born from a single inspired idea of Aromatique’s founder, Patti Upton. In its purest form, Patti’s vision was combining the senses of sight and smell to make great fragrances beautiful. Aromatique has turned houses into homes through their divine scents for years. This means that everyone is a neighbor for Aromatique. And the best neighborhoods care for and help their neighbors. Aromatique is committed to making sure that all Arkansans can feel more at home and included.
Abilities Unlimited
Abilities Unlimited Inc. (AUI) is a center-based program that serves persons with developmental disabilities. The nonprofit organization was established in 1961 in Hot Springs to train and seek employment opportunities for those we serve. Abilities Unlimited is acutely aware that inequality can hinder one’s quality of life. That’s why they’re committed to ensuring that every Arkansan, regardless of race, ethnicity, belief or ability, is able to make the most of life and live out their dreams.
RPM Group
The RPM Group is a full-service Arkansas-based real estate firm that provides expertise in commercial and investment real estate, property management, residential rentals and residential sales. Founded in 1955 by Arkansas Business Hall of Fame Inductee, Billy F. Rector, and partners, Byron Morse and Fe Phillips, Rector Phillips Morse, Inc. recently celebrated its 60th year in business by updating the name of the firm to recognize substantial growth and a much larger operating footprint. RPM Group has their roots in community, and knows first hand that diverse perspectives strengthen one’s foundation. That’s why RPM Group is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the community and in the cubicle.
CALS
The Central Arkansas Library System provides resources and services to help residents reach their full potential, and to inspire discovery, learning and cultural expression. CALS is recognized as a leading community institution improving literacy, the exchange of ideas, workforce development and social engagement. Among the Central Arkansas Library System’s core values is a commitment to respecting different perspectives and providing access to information and services to all. To that end, the CALS Board of Trustees has signed the Urban Libraries Council’s Statement on Race and Social Equity. This statement serves as a baseline upon which libraries can build policies and actions that make their communities more inclusive and just. CALS believes that libraries are trusted, venerable and enduring institutions, central to their communities and an essential participant in the movement for racial and social equity.
Signature Bank of Arkansas
Signature Bank of Arkansas was established in 2005 by a team of well-respected and experienced local bankers who had the dream of building a bank where decisions were made locally and in the best interests of not only the bank but customers and team members as well. In recent years, Signature Bank of Arkansas has spearheaded initiatives to diversify staff, boards and partnerships in order to better grow their knowledge and equipment for the region.
SMALL COMPANIES (LESS THAN 50 EMPLOYEES)
Nelson Intelligence Solutions, LLC
Nelson Intelligence Solutions, LLC was formed as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business in 2016, with offices located in Stafford, Virginia, and Little Rock. As a defense, information and intelligence firm, with an emphasis on federal government opportunities in support of the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community and state and local government. Nelson Intelligence Solutions knows first hand the inequality that can be caused by exclusivity. It’s for this reason that Nelson Intelligence Solutions strives to serve the community to the fullest, and to create a better America for tomorrow.
City Year Little Rock
City Year Little Rock works alongside teachers and community partners to support students across the city through a commitment to improving education. City Year Little Rock is determined to building an anti-racist organization and environment through equity checks, job role reviews and by working with partners to expand their understanding.
James A. Rogers Excavating, Inc.
Fast, efficient and honest, James A. Rogers Excavating, Inc. has become a reputable and well-known service provider since its creation in 1962. Their teams are up for every job, managing projects with the skill and experience their clients have come to expect. James A. Rogers Excavating, Inc. is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, and has worked closely with the community and diverse initiatives. The folks at James A. Rogers Excavating break ground, move mountains, make new paths on site and in the office.
United Systems of Arkansas
United Systems of Arkansas delivers more than 30 years experience to meet their clients’ printing and mailing goals. At United System of Arkansas, you’ll find a team that supplies Certified Mail® solutions for customers seeking rapid mail processing, document imaging and custom inserting. With expertise in Certified Mail® processing and a patented system for protecting private data, United Systems of Arkansas is the 100% solution™ for Certified Mail® services. The folks at United Systems know that “united” means everyone. That’s why at United Systems, you’ll find a team of folks dedicated to a diverse and inclusive environment.
The Design Group
The Design Group is more than a mere creative boutique. It is a full-service, multicultural communications firm, with expertise in segmented and experiential marketing. The Design Group is home to the designers and architects behind communication platforms that bridge the gap between brands and the nation’s ever growing ethnic-consumer segments. Led by Myron Jackson, The Design Group is committed to marketing communications that are authentic and culturally relevant, as well as intellectually and emotionally engaging. The Design Group has raised the bar with its lifestyle and life-stage consumer segmentation approach. Every day, it validates the idea that being African American is more than skin color. It’s about a mindset, one that evolves as you penetrate deeper and deeper within the subsets that exist within the African American consumer segment. The Design Group was founded in September 2007 with the sole purpose of filling a marketplace void: to tell the stories of people of color in an authentic way. At the heart of The Design Group, you’ll find a team of talented individuals dedicated to giving a voice to Arkansans of color.
The Venture Center
The Venture Center focuses on education, collaboration and acceleration within the startup ecosystem. To fuel innovation, we partner with entrepreneurs, corporations, universities, government agencies, non-profits, venture funds, service providers, program alumni and other organizations in the community. The Venture Center knows that the cornerstone of any successful venture is education. That’s why they’ve committed to a deeper understanding and education of diversity, equity and inclusion for the betterment of all Arkansans.
Beyond Sports Lab
The Beyond Sports Lab is the first minority-owned indoor baseball facility in Arkansas. The folks at Beyond Sports Lab have committed themselves to reviving minority baseball to give kids a fun, safe extracurricular activity. Beyond Sports Lab has been pivotal in giving minority baseball in Arkansas a shot in the arm, spurring more game opportunities, team growth and tournaments.
Sierra Group Roofing & Solar
Sierra Group & Associates Construction is an award-winning roofing contractor specializing in commercial, multi-family apartments and residential roof replacement and storm restoration. In seven years, the folks at Sierra Group & Associates have built themselves into leaders in their field. A Latino owned company, Sierra Group & Associates Construction know that while they focus on the roof, the foundation of every good house is diverse and inclusive. It is the conviction of owner Marcos U. Sierra that integrity starts from the owner to the new hired employee. This is what has made Sierra Group & Associates Construction one of the fastest-growing companies in northeast Arkansas.
