18 Apr Driving Diversity: Inside the 2024 Fleet Response Diversity & Inclusion Committee

To maintain an award-winning culture at Fleet Response, we prioritize ensuring that our employees’ voices are heard. The Diversity & Inclusion Committee is dedicated to guaranteeing that employees have a voice at Fleet Response and providing them with opportunities to share their ideas outside our company. The committee was initially created in January of 2020, and its goals are to establish a sense of belonging among employees, promote awareness, deliver incentives, create educational tools, and maintain an inclusive work environment.

In past terms, the committee planned a companywide charity challenge for Edna House. The committee also created a PowerPoint resource regarding mental health and included additional resources for employees. This term’s committee has some exciting plans for events. They intend to offer one to two educational opportunities to employees, initiate a community outreach/charitable initiative, and organize a fun celebration.

This year, the committee consists of 15 members: Terri Williams, Angela Skuza, Heather Monroe, Kelly Medcalf, Andrea Janowski, Veronica Garcia, Collin Force, Emma Flavell, Jeff Fender, Jennifer Domrique, Andrea Cornejo, Bethany Collins, Jennifer Chott, Lisa Bauman, and El Alveranga.

There are returning members as well as new members. We spoke with a few of the members about what their personal goals are for this committee, why they decided to join, and what they are most excited about this term:

Kelly Medcalf

Why did you decide to join the committee?

I have always been a part of the D&I committee; it is so important to continue to bring to light the need for it within an organization, and the rewards of educating and showing how diverse we are is what keeps me going. The ability to reach everyone no matter what type of background they come from excites me; it speaks volumes for this company, and I am happy to be a pillar for this and keep it going in a positive, most energetic light.

What are you looking forward to for this committee’s term?

Educate and bring to light the need for diversity and inclusion within a company–how does it help business, what does it do for the culture, to educate and grow this to the next level.

What are some goals you have for this committee?  

Educate my peers through initiatives and outreach, to get more people involved and share ideas from different backgrounds, to help our children in the community to let them know we care in the most profound way, and most important to keep being a voice, this matters to not only me but everyone in this company.

Andrea Janowski

Why did you decide to join the committee? 

I joined the D&I Committee for the third time hoping to make a difference within our communities and to work on initiatives that educate employees on the different areas of Diversity.

What are you looking forward to for this committee’s term?

Learning more about everyone’s voice(s) and how we can all make a difference.

El Alveranga

Why did you decide to join the committee? 

I am a woman of color who lives an alternative lifestyle. I would like to share some thoughts and ideas on how to make anyone feel comfortable in their skin.

What are you looking forward to for this committee’s term?

I am looking to meet new people within the organization.

Lisa Bauman

Why did you decide to join the committee?

I was on the committee last year and enjoyed the experience.

What are you looking forward to for this committee’s term?

I anticipate collaborating with the committee to disseminate information to employees regarding the resources we choose to incorporate.

Terri Williams

Why did you decide to join the committee? 

I am brand new to Fleet Response and wanted to find a home where I could become part of the corporate community. D&I felt like a good fit.

What are some goals you have for this committee? 

My singular aim is to lend support wherever possible in aiding the committee to showcase how inclusivity benefits the entire company.

Angela Skuza

Why did you decide to join the committee? 

I was a part of the D&I Committee when it first began, and I took the past few years off from volunteering to allow others the opportunity to have a meaningful experience.  As we’ve fully unified our California team into one under the Fleet Response name, I wanted to take part in the Committee once again to learn more about our West Coast colleagues and how we can continue to develop an environment that spotlights our diverse talent.

What are you looking forward to for this committee’s term?

I look forward to listening, learning and helping grow our D&I program.

What are some goals you have for this committee? 

My main goal is to make an impact, big or small. Whatever initiatives this group decides on, I want to maximize our efforts to make them impactful and give employees a chance to take away something new – new knowledge, new insight, or a new perspective.

As the Diversity & Inclusion Committee embarks on another term at Fleet Response, the dedication and passion of its members shine brightly. With a blend of returning and new members, each bringing unique perspectives and motivations, the committee is poised to continue its mission of fostering a culture of belonging and inclusivity within the organization. From educating peers and reaching out to the community to amplifying diverse voices and creating impactful initiatives, the goals of this committee reflect a commitment to making a difference. Stay tuned to witness the inspiring initiatives and meaningful contributions they’ll undertake this term, as they lead Fleet Response towards an even brighter future of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment.