Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Benefits Data Trust
Our Commitment
At Benefits Data Trust (BDT), we are committed to placing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the heart of our organization. We are working to ensure DEI reaches all corners of our operations and is embedded into our workplace culture, enabling all colleagues to be their authentic selves. DEI-focused principles influence how we forge relationships, engage our BDT colleagues, serve our clients, and use policy, data, and technology to create more equitable benefits systems.
Our commitment to modernizing public benefits systems advances DEI for society more generally by unlocking the power of benefits to tackle the health and economic disparities that impede us from achieving equity. We believe that food, healthcare, shelter, and other basic needs should be within everyone’s reach and that all people eligible for assistance should be served with dignity and ease.
A Comprehensive Approach to DEI
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion impacts not only the work environment we strive to create, but also the work we strive to do—and how we do it.
Forging Relationships
We are committed to building partnerships with funders who invest in DEI, and prioritizing women- and minority-owned vendors in our procurement processes.
Serving Clients
We will conduct localized outreach and enrollment assistance to reach communities that have been historically underserved by the benefits access system.
Engaging Colleagues
We will curate an organizational culture that values DEI, deepening our support for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to improve our organization and create a more inclusive environment.
Building More Equitable Benefit Systems
We are working to advance policy changes and programs that promote more equitable, efficient access to public benefits for historically marginalized populations.
DEI in Action
Every day I have the honor of working beside some of the most dedicated Black women. Not only are they committed to the work they do, they are big on showing up and making their voices heard."
Working at BDT allows me to express all avenues of myself with my peers and clients. Being able to show humility, confidence, self-awareness, vulnerability, discernment, and compassion, and share that with others to help others is a beautiful thing."
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially trans folks, are living in poverty at much higher rates than the average American. Most of the homeless youth in America are members of our community. By doing anti-poverty work, I know I am making direct impacts on our community every single day."
There's a lot of intersectionality that the LGBTQIA+ population experiences which lends to a lot of empathy, an understanding of marginalized people, etc. that has equipped me with a drive to be of service to others who face barriers and hurdles to meet basic needs."
My experience has fueled my desire to serve the members of the Latinx community the utmost quality, care, and professionalism I can provide while meeting their needs.
With Adelante Latinx [Employee Resource Group], yes we would love to help with database improvements for Spanish speakers, but I also want to make sure our Latinx staff are being heard and have a voice!
As an Asian American and English person, navigating different identities has been a lot. BDT has been a welcoming place where I can be myself in all my identities. And in my work too, BDT welcomes how my team builds bridges between the food system and healthcare system.
Employee Resource Groups
Our five Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a key role in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. ERGs are started and led by BDT employees. They help us leverage our diversity to improve our organization, support each other, and meet our goals. They allow staff to work through challenges specific to the groups they identify with—to create a more inclusive environment, while adding value to organizational initiatives.
Our ERGs also work alongside each other to encourage intersectional diversity, equity, and inclusion.
AAPI Alliance
Offering community and professional development for Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employees, building a sense of togetherness, and raising cultural awareness about the AAPI diaspora.
Adelante Latinx
Providing support, development, and inclusion for Latinx employees, while promoting the advancement of Latin culture within the organization.
In Living Color
Supporting the professional development of Black employees and sustaining a diverse and inclusive work environment through networking, mentoring, cultural awareness, and community service.
LGBDTQ
Positively influencing BDT’s environment by promoting an inclusive community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer clients and staff members.
MEOWS
Mental Health and Overall Wellness Support
Providing peer support for all staff members, destigmatizing mental illness, offering a safe place for staff, and teaching how to effectively handle stress with a holistic approach.