We are thrilled to share that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) ranked #1 for Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion through Arizona Capitol Times 2022 Top Companies to Work for Awards.
While diversity, equity/equality, and inclusion have always been a top priority for BCBSAZ, we formalized our commitment with the formation of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Council in 2020.
With the support of CEO Pam Kehaly and BCBSAZ's Board of Directors, Deanna Salazar, Chief Administration Officer and General Counsel, guided a grassroots group of employees to form BCBSAZ's first DEI Leadership Council. The Council's goals include creating an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued, establishing a baseline understanding of DEI throughout the workplace, fostering a diverse internal and external talent pipeline, and supporting BCBSAZ's efforts in addressing health disparities.
Salazar said she is proud of the recognition and accomplishments so far.
"Awards are always nice, but we also need to judge ourselves and our own accomplishments and we need to be satisfied with the progress we're making and whether it's the right kind of progress for our organization," Salazar said. "The award is confirmation that we're on the right track."
BCBSAZ Chief Diversity Officer, Michele Boggs, mirrored those sentiments regarding the recognition from Arizona Capitol Times, saying there is an air of excitement while acknowledging there is always room for improvement.
"Personally, I am very proud of what has been accomplished in a relatively short period of time," Boggs said. "The DEI Leadership Council is a dynamic group who are so engaged, and passionate about this work. To have the opportunity to work with them on something that is meaningful gives me great pride and satisfaction. Winning the award only adds to the fire and drive of the Council. It is the vision, work, and energy of each council member that make all its efforts and initiatives come to life. It takes a village and there’s still plenty of work to do!"
The DEI Leadership Council accomplished a lot in the last two years with much more to come. For example, the council has launched DEI training sessions for leaders and all employees, with additional training to come in 2023 focused on microaggressions and unconscious bias education.
"You have to start by building awareness through observances and events, sharing why DEI is important, providing online and in-person education, and communicating, communicating, communicating. I can't say it enough!" Boggs exclaimed. "Another key lesson is also to ensure the executive leadership team is on board, visible, and supportive. The leadership team models the expectation for the organization, and I think it has been instrumental in helping us be successful."
The council has also partnered with Human Resources to review job descriptions. To date, 45% of job descriptions had college degree requirements removed and/or updated to ensure BCBSAZ is attracting a diverse talent pool.
"I know one of the reasons I came to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona was because of the commitment the organization made not just to customers, but to the broader community," Salazar stated. "This speaks really loudly to a lot of people who are looking for jobs."
BCBSAZ additionally ranked #2 for Large Sized Companies in AZ in the 2022 Top Companies to Work in Arizona.
Now in its 10th year, The Top Companies to Work in Arizona is a survey and awards program dedicated to identifying and recognizing the state’s best employers and providing organizations with valuable employee feedback.