BUSINESS VSP Vision Expands Awareness of DEI Issues Inside and Outside Its Organization By Staff Sunday, November 26, 2023 12:53 AM RELATED CONTENT Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Latinos en Optometry Builds a Range of Resources and Events Across the ECP and Patient Community New England College of Optometry Deepens Its DE&I Commitments, Partnerships and Sponsored Pathways Black EyeCare Perspective Expands Partnerships and Outreach to Future Black Optometrists SUNY College of Optometry Expands Its DE&I Initiatives Within the Profession and Student Community Transitions Diversity Advisory Board Widens Its Initiatives The Vision Council Expands Its Scholarship Program and Will Address DE&I Issues at Its Summit VSP Vision continues to work toward enhancing its DE&I initiatives with business partners and the many communities it services, such as diverse contributions in philanthropic giving and adherence to its Supplier Diversity Program. Most recently, for second-consecutive year, VSP Vision has been included on Seramount’s annual Inclusion Index which recognizes companies that are leading the way in fostering diverse and inclusive work environments. “The Inclusion Index is another great barometer that not only underscores VSP Vision’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, but also helps guide our continued journey to a more inclusive workplace,” said VSP Vision chief diversity officer Marvin Davenport. “We are proud that our collective commitment to DE&I elevated VSP Vision to a short list of companies that achieved a score of 70 percent or higher.” With a goal of helping organizations throughout the U.S. recognize their DE&I successes and areas of opportunity, Seramount ranked applicants in three areas, including best practices in recruitment, retention and advancement of people from under-represented groups; creating an inclusive culture; and improvement in demographic diversity for women and racial/ethnic minorities. VSP boasts a robust Business Resource Group (BRG’s) program that offers professional development curriculums to BRG leaders. Similarly, leadership development and mentorship programs are available to all employees seeking to enhance their distinct skills and capabilities. In addition to developing the DE&I space internally, VSP continues to work toward enhancing DE&I initiatives with business partners and the many communities it serves, such as diverse contributions in philanthropic giving and adherence to its Supplier Diversity Program. This is the latest recognition from Seramount this year as VSP earned accolades as a Top Company for Executive Women and a Top Company for Multicultural Women in September and June, respectively. VSP has been the recipient of additional honors recognizing the company’s DE&I initiatives in 2023, including being recognized by the National Organization on Disability (NOD) for its commitment to employing and advancing professional opportunities for individuals with disabilities. VSP also earned the “Vets Indexes 4 Star Employer” designation, recognizing VSP’s ongoing efforts to recruit, hire, retain and develop veterans and the military-connected community. And Davenport, VSP’s first diversity officer, was honored by Diversity FIRST as a Top 100 Diversity Officer in March. Davenport was the only honoree selected from the eyecare industry. More about VSP Vision’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, are posted at vspvision.com/diversity.