By Amanda N. Wegner
HR and diversity leaders share their journeys and how their companies are leading in the DEI space.
More than ever, organizations recognize the imperative to cultivate diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces, which requires leaders willing to sit at the forefront of driving meaningful change.
Here meet four human resources (HR) and diversity professionals and company executives who stand as diversity leaders at their companies. They share why this work is important for them, what their companies are doing in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) space, and why young professionals should look to their organizations for future career opportunities.
Bonelli-Moore Helps The Clorox Company Build Stronger, Inclusive Teams
As The Clorox Company’s first chief diversity and social impact officer, Shanique Bonelli-Moore is responsible for driving all inclusion, diversity, equity, and allyship (IDEA) initiatives across the company.
“A big part of my role is engaging a broad set of stakeholders to ensure we continue to foster an inclusive culture within the walls of Clorox and beyond,” indicates Bonelli-Moore.
She also leads the strategy and execution of The Clorox Company Foundation’s charitable giving and employee community engagement programs.
Bonelli-Moore started in her role in July 2022. She notes that she immediately recognized Clorox as a values-driven company when exploring the opportunity. She was excited by the global nature of the role and the potential to help drive systemic and lasting change within the company, its brands, and the communities where it operates.
For Bonelli-Moore, IDEA is not just a professional responsibility, but also a calling. “It aligns with my deeply held belief that creating a workplace and a world where every individual feels valued and included isn’t only possible, but it’s also imperative for a brighter future. I’m motivated by the belief that, through our efforts, we can play a role in creating a more inclusive society.”
She adds that Clorox’s commitment to IDEA is deeply ingrained in the company’s values and business strategy.
“We serve an incredibly broad spectrum of consumers around the world, and we know earning their loyalty means we need to ensure their experience is reflected in our brands and products,” explains Bonelli-Moore.
“That’s why we believe diverse backgrounds and perspectives create stronger teams, unlock more innovation, and ultimately contribute to greater societal impact.”
One way Clorox creates an inclusive culture is via its 13 employee resource groups, which play a pivotal role in building community by celebrating our inclusive culture and nurturing professional development for all teammates. In addition, recognizing that representation matters, half the company’s board members and executive committee members are women, and 25% of the board and nearly half of our employees identify as people of color.
Through funding and employee volunteering, The Clorox Company Foundation extends its people-centered impact by promoting well-being and inclusivity within communities, and many partners provide culturally relevant programming for marginalized communities that offer academic support, life skill development, and greater access to education.
Bonelli-Moore offers three reasons young professionals should consider Clorox.
First is its growth culture. “Whether it’s applying a start-up mindset to further build our legacy brands with the next generation of consumers or helping each team member grow to their fullest potential, we’re motivated by growth so Clorox can be home to beloved brands and passionate people for another 100 years,” she elaborates.
Second, the company is values-based, driven by its purpose to champion people to be well and thrive daily, and guided by its values. These beliefs, she adds, run across all aspects of how Clorox does business.
And, finally, according to Bonelli-Moore, the company puts people at the center, including its consumers, communities where it operates, and those who have chosen a career at Clorox.
“I’m proud to be part of an organization that prioritizes inclusion, diversity, equity and allyship as integral components of our success,” shares Bonelli-Moore. “We believe that a diverse workforce fuels innovation, creativity, and excellence, and we welcome young professionals who share our vision for a more inclusive future.”
The Clorox Company is headquartered in Oakland, CA. Find career opportunities at thecloroxcompany.com/careers. Connect on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, X, Instagram and YouTube.
Jackson Helps Cultivate an Inclusive Workforce, Workplace & Marketplace for Cargill
Monica Jackson leads a global team responsible for developing and executing Cargill, Inc.’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. However, she quickly notes that she doesn’t do it alone.
“A key component of our role is to partner and collaborate across the organization to ensure equitable access and opportunities in our processes, practices, and policies while cultivating an inclusive workforce, workplace, and marketplace,” explains Jackson, Cargill’s chief DEI officer.
“We’re working hard to invite all dimensions of difference into our journey to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, sustainable way. We’re change agents.”
Jackson joined Cargill in Fall 2023. When first approached about the opportunity, she wanted to ensure Cargill’s values aligned with her own: honesty and transparency, respect for all, valuing differences, humility, and a passion for excellence.
“Once I saw the harmonization between my values and Cargill’s values – doing the right thing, putting people first, and reaching higher – it was crystal clear that this was the place for me at this point in my career,” she recalls.
She was also attracted to the fact that Cargill believes in nourishing the world. “Sitting at the heart of the global supply chain, we bring people together to make the world’s food and agriculture system more sustainable, resilient, and accessible.”
For Jackson, working in DEI is deeply personal, sharing that, as a beneficiary of affirmative action, she owes her educational opportunities to policies that opened doors for underrepresented individuals.
“Growing up, I experienced first-hand being bused across town to desegregate schools and ensure equal access to education for all,” shares Jackson. “This journey not only shaped my academic path, but it also fueled my commitment to fostering inclusivity and advocating for equitable opportunities for everyone.”
In addition, she believes she has an obligation and responsibility to ensure others have equitable access and opportunity.
“Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m fortunate. My passion and purpose have aligned with my profession,” she reflects.
Cargill’s DEI strategy has a three-pronged focus: the workforce, workplace and marketplace. Ultimately, says Jackson, Cargill does more than support DEI. “Our ambition is that DEI is simply a natural part of what we do on a day-to-day, operational basis.”
One way Cargill does this is via developing strong partnerships, conducting strategic outreach and engaging in programs that develop future talent to achieve success.
For instance, in collaboration with strategic partners, Cargill manages a $6 million scholarship and development program for underrepresented students pursuing careers in STEM and agriculture via its Cargill University Thrive program. Through this program, select Thrive scholars and other top talent are invited to the company’s Diversity Leadership Summit in Minnesota where students engage in networking sessions with Cargill leaders, attend skill-building sessions, and explore career paths at Cargill. After interviewing on site, more than half of the 2023 attendees were offered an early career role at Cargill.
The company also offers nine global employee resource groups, which encourage employees to grow their community and connect with Cargill’s global workforce.
If you’re considering Cargill for your future career, then know that you’ll become part of an inclusive global community that values learning, empowers you to make an impact and challenges you to grow.
“By being a member of the team, you not only gain valuable experience and confidence early in your career, but you’ll also connect with colleagues around the world and expand your network,” says Jackson. “Cargill is a great and fulfilling place to work.”
Cargill’s headquarters is in Wayzata, MN. Find career opportunities at careers.cargill.com. Connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Davis Helps Drive Transformational Growth at Plexus Corp.
As a senior executive human resources (HR) leader, Chakla Davis serves Plexus Corp.’s global strategy and technology teams, driving strategic leadership with the company’s chief strategy officer and chief technology officer (CTO), and their leadership teams. This includes a keen focus on global strategy initiatives that deliver transformational and sustained business growth.
“We’re at a key growth moment,” notes Davis, “and I work closely with Plexus’ leadership team to continue that journey.”
Davis is also responsible for developing and driving the diversity and inclusion (D&I) road map for Plexus, which is a global enterprise that partners with companies to help design, manufacture, and service their products.
Davis joined Plexus in mid-2023. She was attracted to the aspirational growth and ambition of the company. Recruited by the company’s chief executive officer (CEO) and chief operating officer (COO), she looks forward to being part of the company’s growth.
“For me, Plexus is the right place and opportunity at the right time,” Davis points out. “The change trajectory that we’re on, this transformational change, can be a case study one day. That’s what excited me and inspired me to join Plexus.”
This change trajectory, she adds, creates opportunities for others to have great career growth, as well.
“We help create the products that build a better world. As we move from a global footprint to a truly global enterprise, there are a lot of opportunities for people to gain tremendous career experience. We have 28 facilities in eight countries – that footprint is particularly attractive, and people can build a new career here,” she elaborates.
According to Davis, while Plexus is early in its D&I journey, the company is approaching it not as a project or initiative, but as something it’s weaving into its fabric of how it operates as a company.
“We don’t want it to be an add-on or just a thing we do,” underscores Davis, adding, “I’ve been hired to lead that road map and reimagine how D&I can look and feel for the organization – that’s a step change from where we’ve been. Plexus has done great things so far, but we’re implementing a strategy to make accelerated change to help with the company’s overall transformational change. D&I is embedded in all of those things.”
Davis’ HR and D&I work comes from her history and experience. “I’m an African-American woman who grew up in the Southeast U.S. where a lot of opportunities may not have existed for me, so I had to create them. Along the way, I’ve met people who saw my potential, took me under their wings, and opened doors for me,” she remembers.
“Through that, I live in the purpose of creating opportunities for people who wouldn’t otherwise have them. Professionally and personally, I’m dedicated to this purpose.”
Davis says that while the Plexus name isn’t seen on products by the nature of its business, the company is integrated with products worldwide.
“Plexus is a hidden gem,” explains Davis. “We help create the products that build a better world. [The products we help our customers create] are everywhere – hospitals and healthcare, aerospace, restaurants, and industrial areas. We’re helping people make products with purpose, and we’re purpose-driven in what we do, which is important for young professionals today.”
In addition to that, Plexus offers many different career areas to meet one’s professional and personal purposes.
“That’s why I joined, and I believe other people can get that same enjoyment and enrichment in their lives here,” she concludes.
Plexus is headquartered in Neenah, WI. Find career opportunities at plexus.com/en-us/careers. Connect on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Files Works to Create a Workplace That Attracts & Retains Talent at American Family Insurance
As American Family Insurance’s new vice president of talent and inclusion, Crystal Files helms the company’s talent and inclusion work.
“I lead the teams that bring talent in the door and help create an environment so everyone wants to stay,” explains Files.
“To describe it more broadly, our company’s purpose is to champion dreams and opportunities so everyone can rise. To do that, we aim to create an environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve so every employee can thrive and make meaningful impacts to the company.”
With the company for a little more than two years, she was attracted to American Family, which includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance, for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
“In doing my research, I learned the company wasn’t just jumping on the bandwagon, but had been doing this work for a long time.”
American Family, according to Files, has made DEI a strategic goal, which helps support the company’s success in this area. “Talk to any employee, from the very top to the most entry- or front-level, they know and understand our commitment to having a diverse and inclusive workplace. From executives to employees, everyone plays a role in supporting an inclusive environment.”
And because it’s in the company’s goals, it’s also embedded into every aspect of the employee experience, from recruiting and job posting to transparency in pay, securing a diverse candidate pool, and more.
The company also understands that diverse teams help deliver better business results. “Through the different life experiences we bring to the table when we show up every day, we have more diversity of thought, ideas, and experiences, which helps deliver more innovative solutions to our customers and better results for our company.”
For Files, the company’s purpose makes it a great workplace. “We truly believe business can be used as a platform for good, whether in our community or for our employees. By the nature of our business and work, we help customers protect their dreams. Our employees have the best of both worlds – the ability to do good and do well. It’s pretty powerful.”
She also appreciates that she’s valued. “As a black female leader, I believe I can truly show up and be me, every single day. And I feel my voice, perspective and contributions are valued – that’s critically important,” says Files.
“As young professionals evaluate new companies, I’d encourage them to find ways to connect with existing employees to understand the culture and what their experiences have been.”
This work is important to Files because it aligns with her core values and beliefs. “One of those is I truly believe each of us is born with our own set of skills, gifts, talents, abilities, and everyone – and I mean Everyone with a capital E – should have the opportunity to discover those gifts, and develop and leverage them to have a meaningful career. For me, giving people career opportunities is life-changing work.”
Young professionals should look to American Family as a potential employer because of its appreciation for the value diversity brings, a culture of caring and how it values employees.
“Early in your career, it’s really important to be at a company with a tangible commitment to diversity – where what you bring to the table is valued and celebrated, that cares enough about you as a person to give you opportunities, support, and encouragement to help you along the way,” underscores Files.
“You can put the words on paper or a website, but these behaviors come from culture and commitment. That’s not something you can see, but can feel.”
American Family Insurance is headquartered in Madison, WI. Find career opportunities at amfam.com/jobs. Connect on Facebook, X, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Captions & Callout Quotes:
Shanique Bonelli-Moore is The Clorox Company’s first chief diversity and social impact officer.
“We believe diverse backgrounds and perspectives create stronger teams, unlock more innovation, and ultimately contribute to greater societal impact.”
Monica Jackson is Cargill’s chief diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) officer.
“We’re working hard to invite all dimensions of difference into our journey to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, sustainable way. We’re change agents.”
Chakla Davis is a senior executive human resources (HR) leader who serves Plexus Corp.’s global strategy and technology teams.
“We help create the products that build a better world. [The products we help our customers create] are everywhere – hospitals and healthcare, aerospace, restaurants, and industrial areas. We’re helping people make products with purpose, and we’re purpose-driven in what we do, which is important for young professionals today.”
Crystal Files is American Family Insurance’s vice president of talent and inclusion.
“We aim to create an environment that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve so every employee can thrive and make meaningful impacts to the company.”