Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At Legal Aid, our differences are our greatest strengths, empowering us to better serve our clients and communities. Recognizing, respecting, and understanding the diverse background and experiences of our team members enables us to be supportive colleagues and effective advocates for justice.

Legal Aid is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all aspects of our work. This commitment extends to recruiting and retaining diverse talent, investing in their professional development, and creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. By doing so, all employees of Legal Aid will not only strengthen our internal team dynamics but also directly impact on the quality of advocacy and support for our client community.

The DEIB Programming Committee is a dynamic, cross-functional team of employees from across the organization who will work in close partnership with the DEIB Director to drive meaningful, measurable progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each committee member will play an integral role in embedding DEIB principles into the organization’s culture, policies, and practices, ensuring that initiatives are both impactful and sustainable.

The committee’s primary function is to align DEIB efforts with a broader, organization-driven, results-oriented strategy. Through collaboration, advocacy, and accountability, the committee will ensure that DEIB remains a key driver of workplace excellence and innovation. By championing inclusive policies, fostering engagement, and driving strategic initiatives, the committee will help create an environment where all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

To achieve these goals, the committee will focus its efforts on the three foundational pillars of the DEIB Program:

• Workplace Culture & Programming – Enhancing the employee experience by fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. This includes planning meaningful DEIB programming, strengthening our Inclusion Networks and promoting initiatives that celebrate diversity, encourage belonging, and support historically underrepresented employees.
• Recruiting & Retention – Supporting efforts to attract, hire, and retain diverse talent. The committee will work to ensure that recruitment strategies are equitable, that hiring processes minimize bias, and that retention efforts prioritize career growth, mentorship, and pathways to leadership for all employees.
• DEIB Training & Development – Advancing organizational learning through education, training, and leadership development. This pillar will focus on equipping employees and leaders with the tools, knowledge, and skills necessary to foster inclusive behaviors, address systemic barriers, and promote equity in decision-making processes.
   

By aligning its work with these core pillars, the DEIB Programming Committee will help drive systemic, organization-wide change and cultivate a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.