At AT&T, we’re in the business of connecting people. And we understand the impact we have on our society, in communities and within our company.
Our efforts in creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, all play a critical role in how we build a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive company and society that connects people to greater possibilities.
I’m proud to say that the commitments of many—from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team to our Employee Groups, leadership, frontline staff, and passionate employees—have helped us achieve a number of wins for DE&I in 2022.
In 2022, while maintaining steady representation of historically underrepresented talent - women and people of color - within our workforce, we're proud to have also increased the promotion of employees from these groups. Notably, underrepresented talent comprised more than half of the internal promotions across the company, with an increase in the representation of promotions of Black talent, specifically. We've also improved the hiring of Asian American and Pacific Islander talent throughout our workforce. That said, we still have work to do in strengthening the representation of Hispanic/Latino talent at AT&T and increasing the retention of underrepresented employees across our organization.
As we do the work to build a workforce reflective of the communities we serve, we’ve doubled down on our commitment to equip our communities with tools and technologies needed to fully connect and thrive in the world. In 2022 alone, we’ve opened 21 new Connected Learning Centers, providing access to free digital learning solutions and to expert volunteers for tutoring and mentorship.
And they are just one way that we’re promoting economic advancement in local communities.
I also think of the future leaders from underrepresented communities who gain exposure to our company through early career employment opportunities like the EDGE internship program for two-year and four-year college students and our collaboration with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
I encourage you to read the full 2022 DE&I story to learn more about our progress and continued efforts. I, and all of AT&T’s leadership, commend the collective ongoing work happening across the business to cultivate a culture of inclusion that easily and authentically translates to how we engage with our customers, partners and society at large.
Michelle Jordan
AT&T Chief Diversity Officer