Delta Dental of Minnesota Advances Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Minneapolis, (May 23, 2022) – As we look back on the past two years, one of the most impactful moments is George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020. Delta Dental of Minnesota has worked to create real and meaningful change, focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for our team members and stakeholders.
In June 2020, Delta Dental of Minnesota created a Social Change Council. It’s comprised of cross-functional team leaders whose goal is to increase awareness and accountability amongst team members in the hiring process and vendor selections. That same month, Delta Dental of Minnesota recognized June 19, Juneteenth, as a company-wide day of remembrance, which continues today.
To further the organization’s commitment to change, Delta Dental of Minnesota’s CEO and President, Rod Young, signed the CEO Action Pledge on July 9, 2020. The CEO pledge outlines a specific set of actions designed for team members to feel comfortable and empowered to have discussions about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Young also became the chair of the Minnesota Business Partnership Diversity, Equity, and inclusion Committee. Comprised of more than one hundred CEO’s and senior executives from Minnesota’s largest employers, the committee is focused on finding social economic solutions for communities and organizations.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are engrained into the culture of Delta Dental of Minnesota. Thanks to the organization’s dedication, it was recognized as an Inclusive Workplace Employer by the Star Tribune, based on criteria outlined by the Regional Workforce Alliance in October 2020. In November of the following year, Delta Dental of Minnesota received the DEI Cultural Excellence Award from Top Workplaces, the nation’s most credible employer recognition program. To be considered for this honor, a company must show a commitment to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices throughout all levels.
In May 2021, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation provided a challenge grant to kick off the community-based Restore | Rebuild | Reimagine Fund. The fund provides support and relief to hundreds of businesses and the communities impacted by civil unrest, including the Midway, Lake Street and West Broadway neighborhoods, helping them get back on their feet.
This year, in March, Delta Dental of Minnesota established and rolled out the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. This creates an inclusive, equitable and sustainable culture. Over the next two years, the plan will be the anchor for Delta Dental of Minnesota to achieve goals around social change awareness, attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, social community impact, and the Supplier Diversity Program.
As progress continues to be made each year, Delta Dental of Minnesota recognizes that our team members are our most important asset in making a positive change. Together, we can!
About Delta Dental of Minnesota
Delta Dental of Minnesota is an independent, nonprofit health services company that serves the oral health needs of Minnesota and North Dakota residents. Since 1969, Delta Dental of Minnesota has accomplished this mission by providing the best access across the state to oral health care through affordable dental plans. Delta Dental of Minnesota is an authorized licensee of the Delta Dental Plans Association of Oak Brook, Illinois. To learn more, visit DeltaDentalMN.org.