Top of mind for most business leaders today is creating a diverse and inclusive workspace that is more than simply policies, but the creation of a safe place for employees that shows they – as well as their needs and perspectives – are respected.
That’s not an easy task especially in light of recent current events coupled with a global pandemic.
In July 2020 Tammy Mata took on the job as Wayne-based Valley Bank’s chief diversity officer where she was tasked with spearheading the bank’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program to advance and incorporate them into the bank’s business strategy.
Mata said part of the reason she chose to come to Valley was because DEI has already been embedded into the bank’s culture and she was happy to foster and expand the culture as an innovative workplace.
A former employment lawyer and a current DEI practitioner, Mata knows that equity within the workplace is critical for success. The complexities of today’s work environment make it difficult for leaders to tap into the collective intelligence to maximize the potential of every person. To facilitate doing so, Valley created several Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) designed to bring together employee cohorts and act as branches that employees can feel equally involved and supported.
Mata
“I joined Valley because I was motivated by the transformation the bank had done while staying true to its mission and values, and because of the commitment by our leadership to DEI. Our leadership understands the importance of DEI as a key driver for cultivating an engaged and productive workforce, attaining our business goals and for meeting the needs of the communities we serve. I also knew that this would be an exciting opportunity to transform our grassroots DEI efforts into programs, practices and initiatives that enhance and guide our business and talent strategies,” she said. “As part of the Valley team, I am inspired as to how our associates have embraced DEI, how our culture continues to evolve, and how we support each other and the communities we serve.”
Those DEI efforts and programs are paramount to Mata’s goal of partnering with her associates as a way to create programs that represent the institution’s diverse talent, perspectives, backgrounds and interests. The bank, which was built on serving the underserved, is making an increased commitment to those communities.
Valley’s Associated Resource Groups include: The Asian Society for Innovation & Advancement (ASIA); Black Employees Leading In Inclusion, Excellence, Vision & Empowerment (BELIEVE); HOLA is an ARG dedicated to inspiring and supporting Hispanic and Latino/a/x & Portuguese; and Women Influencing Success and Empowerment (WISE). Mata is also working on the development of a steering committee for its new ARG that aims to provide visibility for LGBTQ+ associates while empowering an inclusive culture where they and their allies can feel safe, valued, supported and connected.
During COVID these groups continued to bring together individuals across all of Valley’s more than 200 branches in four states: New Jersey, New York, Florida and Alabama. Through online meetings and events Mata saw the ARGs succeed in helping members feel they belonged. They were sharing their talents and needs with their colleagues and leaders. Mata said that when companies experience the human acts of acknowledgment, inclusion, dignity and compassion they can achieve something for all.
Mata was making connections for herself and others and accumulating knowledge from the day-to-day experiences that individuals within were sharing. A deeper trust and greater commitment was an added benefit that these groups were bringing to the organization, in addition to the professional development, networking and leadership opportunities.
“Our ARGs are open to all our associates and provide space for associates to share their cultures and learn about one another,” she said. “Our ARG program represents the strength and spirit of Valley by championing an environment in which unique and different experiences and perspectives are encouraged and valued. This is especially important during these challenging times.”
Supplier diversity is one thing that Mata is very excited about developing. It’s one thing for Valley to have the DEI programs in place, but it’s another to implement the policies and use vendors that employ the same tools. It not only proves beneficial to Valley, but to businesses looking to expand and grow.
