DEI Research: Introducing the Northern Virginia Champions of Accountability Project

In Chamber Blog, DE&I by DC

Recognizing and highlighting businesses that are developing and implementing inclusive practices is a priority of the Chamber as we seek to promote best practices for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce.  To advance this effort, we have partnered with the Northern Virginia Community Foundation to launch the Northern Virginia Champions of Accountability Project. 

A groundbreaking initiative, the Champions of Accountability Project is designed to catalyze more inclusive systems of economic growth throughout our region and be reflective of the full breadth of our diverse community. In addition to providing research on the diversity of our community, the Project will recognize Northern Virginia employers that have taken the first step toward corporate diversity through a badge.  The Project will also create a public directory of diverse companies. 

Our Champions of Accountability Project has been supported, shaped, and informed by the Chamber’s DEI Research Taskforce. This Task Force is made up of Chief Diversity Officers employed by organizations in the region, including:

  • Nathan Carter, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Northern Virginia Community College
  • Laila Salguero, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Peraton
  • Stephanie Turner, Vice President, Inclusion, Diversity & Social Innovation, MITRE
  • Dawnita Wilson, Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion, JBG Smith

The Champions of Accountability: DEI Research Project has 4 planned elements:

  1. Research and Report
  2. Champions of Accountability: Digital Badge
  3. BIPOC Owned/Led Business Directory
  4. Launch Event (September 15, 2022)

The Project’s digital badge will recognize employers in Northern Virginia that are willing to collect, share, and act on data about the demographic composition of their owners, senior staff, and board. Badge holders will be recognized in a public directory of companies that have received the Champions for Accountability badge; those under diverse ownership-leadership will be acknowledged in a second directory of diverse-led businesses in Northern Virginia. Both directories will be made available in September 2022.

Please take a moment to participate in the Champions of Accountability: DEI Research by completing this application and sharing your data. 

For more information contact Jennifer Williamson jwilliamson@novachamber.org