OPENING STATEMENT
COMMUNITY
BELONGING
RECRUITING
INSIGHTS
FUTURE
Diversity, Equity, & inclusion | Annual report 2026
Belonging isn’t just a concept — it’s the heartbeat of our culture. Throughout the past year, this commitment has been evident in many ways, most notably through our Belonging Series, a yearlong initiative designed to foster connection, appreciation, and purpose.
One of my favorite activities was the “Belonging Bowl,” an activity where people were randomly paired together to form new networks, and an opportunity where I got to build deeper relationships with two staff members I don't frequently interact with. That’s the magic of this series: We’re not just building careers, we’re building connections — and we’re excited to share in this report the impact that’s had on our staff.
We also launched our “Developing the Whole Person” partner training, equipping our leaders to support staff holistically — noticing when someone needs support and understanding individual journeys. With this training, we affirm that leadership sets the tone for ensuring all staff feel respected and included at every stage of their career.
Our staff resource groups (SRG) also continue to be instrumental in nurturing belonging. Because they are open to all staff, SRGs foster collaboration and encourage connections across service lines, geographies, and roles. In recognition of their ongoing impact, three of our SRGs celebrated milestone anniversaries this year!
Finally, our efforts to recruit students on campuses and broaden our reach into the next generation are paying off. We’re showing up, engaging with future professionals, and inviting them to experience what it means to belong at Plante Moran.
Culture by design: Cultivating a sense of belonging
Plante Moran is an equal opportunity employer.
As you read this report, I hope you see that our culture isn’t created by accident — rather, these intentional efforts help to strengthen it. I feel lucky to be part of a firm that’s so deeply committed to cultivating a workplace culture where every person is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
With gratitude,
Jason Drake | Managing partner
Plante Moran is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Community
Our staff actively engage with contribute to the communities where we live and work, demonstrating our collective commitment to making a positive impact wherever we go.
Community engagement & impact
Pasta power!
Color, pride, & community
Rolling up their sleeves & making a difference
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Annual Report 2026
Fostering a culture where staff are engaged, connected, and supported.
Food
Travel
Interiors
Interiors
Travel
Food
3
4
1
5
Community
Community
The Ann Arbor office walked the walk for heart health at the American Heart Association Heart Walk.
Heart healthy
Chicago staff weren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty as they revitalized a local playground for Earth Day.
A safe space to play
Our Minds of All Kinds SRG challenged their members to donate to financial literacy programs at Shepherds College, a school uniquely designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In just one week, 70 staff members raised $4,579 to help students gain the tools and confidence to manage their finances and build independent lives.
Our annual Plante Moran Detroit Lions Kids Camp brought clients and families together at Ford Field to give back — packing backpacks for local Detroit students.
Roaring into action for Detroit kids
6
Community
7
Belonging
8
9
10
Community
11
Community
12
Belonging
Belonging
Belonging
Belonging
We strive to create a culture where each person feels accepted and valued. We believe that each person’s ultimate potential begins with first acknowledging their inherent dignity. When we can recognize — and celebrate — our many human differences, we’re able to create a workplace where all staff feel a sense of belonging and an opportunity to succeed. This allows us to attract and retain the best talent, serve clients through diverse thinking, and better represent and support the various communities in which we live and work.
What does DEI mean at Plante Moran?
2
Kalamazoo staff sorted, packed, and spread kindness one box at a time for Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes.
Big hearts & busy hands
Our Cleveland crew rode with purpose in the Bike to Cure, turning miles into miracles for cancer research.
Hope, determination, & a whole lot of pedal power
Our financial reports processing team traded laptops for lunchboxes, volunteering at Gleaners to help pack hope into every box.
Fighting hunger
Community
14
Recruiting
19
15
Plante Moran received the Empower Award from the Michigan Association of CPAs for championing an inclusive workplace culture through staff resource groups, mentorship, and policies that foster belonging and professional growth. By expanding access to CPA licensure support, work-life balance support, and wellness initiatives, the firm strengthens and supports the success of current and future CPAs. The firm’s recognition programs and leadership development opportunities help professionals thrive while advancing the accounting profession as a whole.
Community awards
Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America”
Read more about our other firm awards here.
People magazine’s “100 Companies that Care”
Best Workplaces for Parents
Plante Moran receives ADT BEST Award for talent development
Plante Moran named a USA Today Top Workplace
Best Workplaces for Women
ComputerWorld names Plante Moran one of the “Best Places to Work in IT”
At Plante Moran, we have a saying:
“We don’t do the things we do to win awards, we win awards because of the things we do.”
Small gestures,
big impact: How we’re fostering belonging
Belonging
Belonging is more than a feeling here at the firm — it’s a strategic priority rooted in our commitment to inclusion. Our belonging strategy is made up of four elements that we believe are crucial to creating an inclusive workplace: (1) feeling seen, heard, and acknowledged; (2) having a sense of connectedness; (3) knowing that contributions are valued and respected; and (4) understanding that our work has alignment with purpose. These pillars help us create an environment where every individual can thrive, ensuring that our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion is both intentional and impactful for our people and our broader community.
Cultivating belonging & deepening connections
Element 3: Contributions are valued and respected
For this activity, we provided print and digital “Belonging Postcards” that staff could send to colleagues to recognize their efforts. More than 2,200 postcards were sent. The messages — personal, specific, and heartfelt — helped to strengthen feelings of appreciation and deepen relationships across the firm.
One staff member shared they initially planned to write a couple of postcards but, after seeing how deeply their messages were received, they wrote 40. Another staff member described being moved to tears after receiving multiple unexpected notes of appreciation. These simple messages created moments of genuine connection and recognition, reinforcing that small gestures can have a powerful impact on how valued staff feel.
“I was inspired to reach out with the postcards —not only to my team but to others I work with. I even translated a few messages into the first languages of staff. It reminded me how meaningful small gestures can be.”
— Mark Scovera, DEI Champion, management consulting
So what is this “Belonging Bowl” Jason referenced in his opening comments? It’s where staff were invited to draw names to randomly meet new people and see what developed. Over 800 staff participated, forming friendships and discovering shared interests.
For example, one staff member shared that after nearly 30 years at the firm, many of her long-time colleagues had retired or moved on. She joined the Belonging Bowl hoping to meet someone new — and was paired with a colleague she’d never met.
“What started as a casual coffee turned into a meaningful friendship with my belonging buddy. It reminded me that even after decades here, there are still new connections to be made."
— Ann Massey
Element 2: Having a sense of connectedness
Element 4: Alignment with purpose
This final element featured a 10-question quiz that helped staff explore how their personal values connect to their work. Participants were aligned with one of four categories — work contributions, bringing your whole self to work, volunteering, or DEI initiatives — and received tailored suggestions and resources. For example, a staff member aligned with “volunteering” was reminded of the firm’s support for community service and encouraged to explore related opportunities through Plante Moran Cares, our internal program that supports staff volunteerism and community engagement.
Whole Person Spotlight: Natalia Villegas Franco
My approach to work-life balance is rooted in authenticity and flexibility. I find joy in automating tasks for my colleagues, knowing how excited they get when I can give them back their weekends. My teams and my family know me for tackling new challenges with contagious optimism — often reminding others, “We can do hard things.” Whether I’m running with my kids, laughing with my team, or leveraging firm benefits for family adventures, I strive to exemplify Plante Moran’s belief that staff are people first. I hope my openness, humor, and commitment to well-being inspire those around me to bring their whole selves to work, too.
Recognizing the importance of balancing our work and personal lives, we actively support staff in finding what works best for them — a value rooted in our culture from the very beginning. We hold firm to the belief that “The whole person comes to work,” emphasizing that each staff member is valued as an individual first and a professional second. This year we take a look at how this concept is embraced by Natalia, a manager in our management consulting practice.
I bring my whole self to work — embracing and blending my roles as a parent, partner, and professional. Originally from Cali, Colombia, my life is a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and joyful movement. At home, my husband and I raise our daughters, Emma and Mila, in a trilingual household. In Colombia, there’s a saying that we learn to salsa before we learn to walk — and that’s true with our family. Even with two little kids, we maintain close ties to our roots, traveling to Colombia and Spain each year, and we still make time for our hobbies, like going to the gym or going to a dark park with a telescope in tow.
You’re probably more familiar with “employee resource groups,” but at Plante Moran, we use the term “staff resource groups” (SRGs) because we don’t use the word “employee.” We call each other “staff member” or “Plante Moraner” to identify that we work with one another as opposed to for one another. It’s another small distinction that makes a big difference.
Asian American and Pacific Islander SRG “Plante Moran is the first workplace where I truly feel comfortable opening up about my background as a member of the AAPI community. I’m encouraged to share my cultural customs and, when I do, I’m received openly. This leads to more conversations and transparency among colleagues, creating an inspiring and positive cycle.”
African American SRG “As a first-year member of the SRG, I appreciate the opportunities to grow and learn from each other. I believe interpersonal relationships are the key to success in business and in life. In the various industries/services of the firm, there’s one thing that ties them all together: people. Without an understanding of each other, we can’t be our best. But through communication and compassion, we can come together to create something bigger than ourselves.”
Minds of All Kinds (MOAK) SRG “Through my personal experiences with being neurodivergent, I've developed a strong sense of understanding for others who are going through hard times That’s why participation in MOAK has been important to me. MOAK brings to the firm an open space where people are open to talk and listen to others' experiences without fear of judgment. This helps create a stronger culture of care and empathy.”
Pride SRG “This is my first year working with Plante Moran, and I was pleasantly surprised with the Pride anniversary event. I’ve found being queer in a professional workplace can be daunting, but Plante Moran has been so supportive. Listening, meeting, and professionally connecting with LGBTQ+ staff and allies of all ages was an amazing experience and made me feel even more at home in a firm I love.”
Hear from SRG members
Veterans SRG celebrated 5 years
Milestones
AAPI SRG celebrated 3 years
PM Pride SRG celebrated 15 years
Our SRGs, which are open to all staff at Plante Moran, are essential for building a deeper sense of belonging and inclusion throughout our firm.
Element 1: Feeling seen, heard, and acknowledged
In September 2024, we brought Element 1 to life via whiteboard “Belonging Boards” in every office. We asked staff to respond to the prompt: “What does belonging look and feel like to you?” Hundreds of responses — from heartfelt to humorous — sparked conversations and connection.
Here are two of our favorites: “When someone asks me to sit with them at lunch.” “People knowing my name and pronouncing it correctly.”
Simple actions like these can and have made a big difference. What started out as a simple space to host our belonging activities, has turned into our modern day “water cooler.” Our boards have become a place for staff to connect, ask questions of the week, and learn more about each other in a simple and organic way. Knowing favorite podcasts, TV shows, travel destinations, and the like from colleagues continue to highlight the commonalities and diverse interests we all bring to the workplace.
Empowering voices:
The impact of staff resource groups
20
Future
Using their own words, our staff completed the statement:
When it comes to your experience with DEI, “Together, we...”:
16
Insights
When you join the company, you are made to feel welcome
98%
36 languages spoken by our staff
13
Recruiting strategy & approach
Recruiting
Additionally, there are a variety of individuals throughout the firm who support the campus recruiting team in advancing our campus relationships and maintaining strong connections with top talent. This includes our recruiting relationship partners, partner champions, and campus leads and specialists. With over 150 total staff in these roles supporting the campus team, their collaboration ensures we deliver a consistent, high-touch experience for candidates and strengthen our presence across key universities.
This “it takes a village” approach ensures that recruiting is integrated into our broader firm efforts and reflective of the collective commitment of our teams.
Satellite SRG “I’m very excited to be a part of the Satellite SRG here at Plante Moran because I like to engage with other satellite staff and share helpful tips about how to stay productive while working remotely. I’m inspired learning how we can engage and support each other in a remote environment.” Unidos SRG “I decided to join Unidos to meet Hispanic/Latin colleagues, network, and create friendships. I found the group friendly and supportive. Unidos has been a huge part of my support over the last couple years. I feel Unidos does a great job fostering inclusivity and providing support for one another. We treat each other like family, and that’s the best compliment I can provide.”
Veterans SRG
“I was introduced to the Veteran’s Staff Resource Group shortly after joining the firm following my final active-duty Army contract. The SRG provided a true sense of belonging and shared invaluable insights about navigating the transition from military service to the private sector. I am deeply grateful for this community. Their encouragement, shared experiences, and camaraderie have made my journey at the firm not only smoother but far more meaningful.”
Women in Leadership
“At Plante Moran, it’s been inspiring to see more and more women showing up for a variety of networking opportunities across our regions. The Women in Leadership program continues to create space for connection, growth, and skill-building — and it’s exciting to see so many team members taking full advantage of it. As part of our broader DEI community, this momentum is helping shape a more inclusive and empowered future for all.”
Empowering partners to lead with belonging
Community College Connect
“Community College Connect was designed to introduce community college students to the world of professional services at Plante Moran,” said Sara Gregor, campus recruiting manager. “Participants learned about our firm’s culture, explored career opportunities in accounting and related fields, and heard firsthand from a diverse panel of staff about their unique journeys. We’re proud to have created a space where nontraditional students could network with our professionals and envision a future career with us. The program’s momentum continues to build, with growing interest from students and institutions underscoring its expanding reach and relevance.”
Early engagement through local outreach
Our regional campus recruiters host periodic office visits throughout the year to engage students from community colleges and high schools within our geographic footprint. These one-off events typically welcome 20–30 attendees and offer students — particularly those from institutions with business or accounting programs — an opportunity to explore professional services in a more personalized setting. These visits continue to serve as meaningful touchpoints for early talent engagement and reflect our commitment to broadening access to career exploration.
Insights
Recruiting
Laura Claeys, Management team sponsor, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council
A truly great workplace is built on the everyday actions of its leaders. This year, we launched the "Developing the Whole Person" partner training — a hands-on, in-person workshop crafted specifically for our partner group. The goal: to continue to equip partners with the skills and awareness needed to foster belonging, support staff development, and lead with empathy in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
This training is more than a learning session — it’s a reflection of our commitment to seeing and supporting the whole person. Partners explored their own journeys to leadership, gained insight into the experiences of today’s staff, and, through real-world scenarios and peer dialogue, they practiced noticing, listening, and responding in ways that build trust and connection.
At Plante Moran, partners recognize the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and are dedicated to understanding its strengths as well as modeling our “We Care” culture in action. The “Developing the Whole Person” training connects the dots between leadership, belonging, and team performance. It reminds partners to embrace a holistic approach to staff development, recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to make someone feel seen and valued.
Why it matters
As John Lesser, a member of our management team, shared: “A significant aspect of this training emphasizes the importance of noticing the subtle and overt actions that indicate your staff need support. I truly believe that if you take an interest in your teams, if you notice things, and if we take care of each other, then you end up with a high-performing team and individuals.” Belonging is cultivated through intentional actions, open conversations, and genuine care. Partners explored their own journeys to leadership, gained insight into the experiences of today’s staff, and, through real-world scenarios and peer dialogue, they practiced noticing, listening, and responding in ways that build trust and connection..
21
18
Insights
People care about each other here
97%
I'm proud to tell others I work here
96%
Taking everything into account, I would say this is a great place to work
95%
I feel a sense of belonging with my immediate team
94%
I can be myself around here
94%
Here are a few of the results from our most recent Great Place to Work® survey, which led to our inclusion on Fortune magazine's list of “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the 27th consecutive year!
International offices
Plante Moran around the world
DEI isn’t only about creating a more welcoming workplace in our U.S. offices. It means creating a sense of belonging for our staff around the globe. We have four international offices in Shanghai, China; Mumbai, India; Tokyo, Japan; and Monterrey, Mexico. Just like in our U.S.-based offices, creating a deeper sense of belonging is central to fostering an inclusive culture in our international offices.
17
Insights
DEI governance
1,300+
people involved in our SRG network
55+
people leading our DEI initiatives
Elevating our firmwide DEI initiatives is a team effort, driven by the ongoing passion of our staff. Creating a lasting impact hinges on their engagement at every level and role within our organization. For more than 20 years, we’ve expanded our influence and scope in countless ways and are continuing to embed DEI into the fabric of our firm.
Ensuring an inclusive and equitable experience begins with firm leadership and extends to nearly 400 partners and nearly 4,000 staff members across the firm.
Together, we’re committed to fostering a culture where everyone thrives.
Here’s a snapshot of the groups that help us execute on our DEI strategy.
DEI STEERING COMMITTEE
Leadership team that sets and approves DEI initiatives and activities
DEI CHAMPIONS Office or regional partners who lead DEI efforts in their respective areas
INTERNAL DEI COMMITTEES
Dedicated to nurturing DEI at the office, team, or industry level
DEI CORE TEAM
Staff members who are fully dedicated to DEI
DEI COUNCIL Established to guide the firm toward long-term success and growth in diversity practices
SRG LEADERSHIP Ensure that their SRGs’ activities are meaningful, educational, and geared toward success — for both the SRG and the firm’s overall DEI objectives
Monterrey, Mexico: Opened in 2008
Mumbai, India: Opened in 2010
Tokyo, Japan: Opened in 2017
Shanghai, China: Opened in 2004
Future
As we close another year, I’m deeply grateful for the ways our staff continue to shape and strengthen our culture of belonging. This year, our Belonging Series brought new energy and connection to our offices, sparking hundreds of authentic conversations and new friendships. These simple, intentional moments — whether sharing a meal, sending a postcard of appreciation, or meeting someone new —remind us that belonging is built one connection at a time.
Building on this momentum, our SRGs remain a transformative presence for inclusion, support, and community. Throughout the year, we heard inspiring stories from members about the impact of finding a place to share, learn, and grow together. SRGs continue to foster collaboration across service lines, geographies, and roles, ensuring every staff member has a space to be seen and heard.
Beyond our walls, our recruiting efforts and community engagement have broadened our reach, inviting current and future professionals to experience what it means to belong at Plante Moran.
We remain dedicated to creating pathways for all and to celebrating the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that make our firm stronger.
As we look ahead, we carry this spirit forward. Our promise is to continue listening, learning, and investing in a culture where every person is valued and supported. Belonging is not a destination — it’s a daily practice, and together, we make it real.
Hawzien Gebremedhin,
DEI leader (she/her)
Building financial futures
Our project and change management team brought their organizational skills to Crossroads in Detroit, ensuring individuals and families have the resources they need.
Internal accounting staff packed 5,200 pounds of noodles for families, then rolled out fresh groceries for 170 households for Forgotten Harvest.
Real impact meets recognition
Lucy Jiang Lape
Brandon Majors
Matthew Schoewe
Kristopher Kelley
Jadie Phan
Monica Cardenas
Phil Garber
Ginger Powell
Opening doors for Latino talent
During the 2025 ALPFA Michigan Student Convention, Unidos SRG members engaged with students eager to launch their careers. Recognizing that Plante Moran isn’t a household name among Latino students, this event presented a great opportunity for them to introduce the firm, build new relationships, and reach a wider, diverse pool of talented candidates.
Inspiring student success with NABA
Senior Trust Advisor Timothy Lee participated with others on panels during a National Association of Black Accountants regional event. There they encouraged students to approach their career journeys with curiosity and confidence, sharing practical strategies for interview preparation, networking, and professional presentation that empower candidates to stand out and make meaningful impressions. Their message encouraged students to embrace every opportunity — from career fairs to LinkedIn outreach — as a chance to learn, grow, and confidently pursue their goals.
Spotlight:
“I was born in Hong Kong and, when I was 14 years old, my family moved to the United States Adjusting to a new country as a teenager wasn’t easy. While I didn’t feel excluded, I never felt I fully fit in either. It was this experience — of not wanting to feel like an outsider — that shaped my commitment to belonging and inclusion. I want everyone to feel safe sharing their perspectives and showing up as who they are, regardless of their background.
“In the Boston office, creating a sense of belonging has always been a priority for us. I’m proud that it’s been a welcoming place for working parents, and our staff were so receptive to our DEI Committee. Now that we’ve joined Plante Moran, we’re seeing that we’re committed to the same ideas about culture. I’ve already joined the Minds of All Kinds SRG, and a few of my Boston colleagues joined the Asian American Pacific Islander SRG, even attending the in-person anniversary event this past summer.”
Meet DEI Champion,
Jamie Tong-Chow
Together, we are stronger
Plante Moran’s Pride SRG marched in the Denver Pride Parade with sponsorship supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Culture by design: Cultivating a sense of belonging
This year, Plante Moran expanded our East coast presence with a new location in Boston. Here's one of our newest staff members reflecting on our firm’s welcoming, inclusive culture.
INSIGHTS
RECRUITING
BELONGING
COMMUNITY
FUTURE
OPENING STATEMENT
Members of the African American SRG laced up, skated out, and raised over $1,000 for the Girls and Boys Club at their holiday skate fundraiser.
Party with a purpose
Plante Moraners weren’t afraid to get dirty as they helped plant nearly 100 trees with The Greening of Detroit.
Greening out
Connecting with LGBTQ+ business talent at O4U
Plante Moran recruiters and members of our Pride SRG and DEI team attended the Out for Undergraduate (O4U) Business Conference in New York City for the second year to highlight our service offerings, internship opportunities, and inclusive culture. Not only did they meet LGBTQ+ business students who were just learning about the firm, they also connected with East Coast students who've already accepted internships. The future is bright when talented students are eager to kickstart their careers with us!
Our recruiting efforts are guided by a commitment to inclusivity and a belief that diverse perspectives strengthen our firm. By engaging with students at campuses across our footprint, participating in industry and diversity-focused events, and partnering with organizations such as AAA (American Accounting Association) and ALPFA, we strive to reach candidates from all backgrounds and create pathways into professional services. By developing the Community College Connect initiative and partnering with high schools in our communities, we’re helping create pathways for students from underrepresented backgrounds. These efforts not only introduce candidates to Plante Moran’s culture but also provide practical tools for success, from networking to interview preparation.
Recruiting at Plante Moran is truly a team effort. Beyond our dedicated recruiters, we leverage firmwide partnerships — including SRGs, client-facing professionals, and leadership — to identify and attract exceptional candidates.
Evans Scholar Foundation
As a corporate partner of Evans Scholar Foundation (ESF), we host multiple collegiate, student events throughout the year, along with invitations to ESF alumni and Western Golf Association members to engage with us through thought leadership and professional development sessions. We’ve had several ESF students join as interns and multiple ESF alumni as current staff and partners.
Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America”
People magazine’s “100 Companies that Care”
Best Workplaces for Parents
Plante Moran receives ADT BEST Award for talent development
Plante Moran named a USA Today Top Workplace
Best Workplaces for Women
ComputerWorld names Plante Moran one of the “Best Places to Work in IT”
