The WISE Podcast
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
" Acuity has fostered a sense of belonging in the last couple of years. We have worked to create an environment where we can share experiences, empower one another, and promote growth. "
We’re committed to building an inclusive environment where our associates feel valued, included, and comfortable enough to bring their whole selves to work.
We’re creating an environment where the best people come to do their best work.
Acuity has five Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that foster inclusivity and build community within our workforce. Our associate-led ERGs champion company-wide DEI activities and initiatives that provide rich input to guide our corporate strategies.
43%
Associates
Identifying as Women
(Global)
Associates
Identifying as People of Color
(US Only)
44%
Management*
Identifying as People of Color
(US Only)
16%
Management*
Identifying as Women (Global)
24%
* Management is defined as Vice President and above
All data shown is accurate as of October 2022.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Our greatest asset is our associates, and we believe that our organization works best when we have a diversity of thought, experience, and background.
Minorities Amplifying Growth, Inclusion, and Community (MAGIC)
Tawana Jones
Director, Software Quality Engineering
MAGIC Co-Chair
" What all of our members have in common is that we are all uniquely different. I hope Acuity will become known as a company that respects diversity, equity, and inclusion, and celebrates them as loudly as possible. "
Patrick Atchison
Manager, Compliance and PRIDE ERG Co-Founder
PRIDE aims to create a safe space where the LGBTQIA community and allies feel supported, and are able to discuss their needs, challenges, and obstacles, and proudly celebrate professional and personal moments.
People Respecting Identity, Diversity, and Equity (PRIDE)
Loren K. West
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
Women’s Network Co-Chair
" I am proud to be a part of the Women’s Network. We provide a range of meaningful programming that supports the personal and professional growth of not just women, but all our associates. Together with our other ERGs, we are living our values by supporting our People and our Communities. "
The Women’s Network empowers, embraces, and encourages women in all functions to enhance a diversity of ideas and approaches that drive business growth and improved financial results. The Women’s Network organizes networking events, mentoring groups, lunch-and-learns, and an engaging guest speaker series. The group is open to all associates.
Women’s Network
Our Employee Resource Groups
The Women in Sustainability and Enterprise (WISE) is a podcast series created by Morgan Phelps, Specification Sales Manager, Lauren Scott, Vice President of Marketing & Sustainability, and Simran Klair, Director of Marketing. The podcast elevates the voices and achievements of women within the Company working toward a more sustainable environment and workplace. In each monthly episode, guests share their insights to develop future women leaders and discuss how they impact Acuity's sustainability journey.
Listen to the WISE Podcast
Embarking on a DEI Journey
The DEI Council conducted its first company-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion survey to gain an in-depth look into different viewpoints at Acuity. Our annual surveys will play a fundamental role in building an inclusive culture that lets people bring their authentic and best self to work. The Council is leading the implementation of our three-year DEI road map that consists of six value pillars that inform the strategic direction of our DEI work.
Structure,
Governance,
and Metrics
Strategy, Vision, and Leadership
HR Programs
and Processes
Total Rewards
and Policies
Listening and
Awareness
Building
Community
Engagement
MAGIC is designed to foster a supportive, nurturing environment to help associates realize their full potential at Acuity Brands and drive return on investment for the company. MAGIC embraces, celebrates, and recognizes the power of diversity and is open to all associates.
Tawana Jones
Director, Software Quality Engineering
MAGIC Co-Chair
Dama Gineris
Vice President, Human Resources
Mind Matters Co-Founders
" We are thrilled to be co-founders for the Mind Matters Employee Resource Group. Acuity Brands is committed to doing everything it can to support our associates in bringing their best and whole selves to work. We yearn for the day when there is no stigma around mental health because we all experience struggles, big or small. "
Mind Matters’ purpose is to educate and elevate the dialogue around mental health so that Acuity can continue to be the place where the best people come to do their best work. Mind Matters will accomplish this by educating associates on mental health topics, encouraging conversations to reduce stigma, and advocating and increasing awareness of mental health support and resources to be leveraged from Acuity benefit programs and beyond.
Mind Matters
Tara Coley
Product Manager Senior, Technology
Veterans Network Co-Chair
" I am very proud to be a part of an organization that embraces and supports veterans and their characteristics that often exude innovation, iteration, and adaptation. Semper Fi! "
Our Veterans Network ERG supports all Acuity Brands associates who are veterans, active-duty military, serving in the military reserve or national guard, who are family members of those who are serving or have served, and others interested in this community. The Veterans Network's goal is to foster belonging, development, education, and other resources for this community.
Veterans Network
Acuity Brands is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
