Better together. We mean it. Learn how we implement our beliefs.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, + INCLUSION
At Matrix, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are the foundation of our core values: safety, positive relationships, stewardship, integrity, community involvement and delivering the best. Led by our CEO, John Hewitt, the Company is actively engaged in embedding inclusion and diversity into its culture through a DEI Steering Committee comprised of leaders and employees from across the Company. We continue to offer enterprise-wide training focused on inclusive practices and identifying and confronting unconscious biases. And we continuously evaluate our recruiting and employment practices to ensure the Company attracts and engages an increasingly diverse workforce. We are also actively reviewing operational practices to advance and encourage our suppliers and subcontractors to also advocate for diversity.
Recognizing that we are better together, the Company is committed to supporting our Employee Resource Groups, which currently include those focused on Asians, Black/African American (BRIDGE), People with Disabilities (MatrixABLE), LGBTQ+ (Foundation of Pride), Veterans (We Got Your Six), Women (WISE), Working Parents, and Young Professionals (NexGen). Our DEI Steering Committee/Council, led by our CEO and comprised of members from across the enterprise, are actively engaged with our Employee Resource Groups to advance DEI enterprise-wide.
better together
mission, vision, + house rules
Our mission is to create equity: the result of Diversity and Inclusion done well, demonstrated by fair treatment in practices, procedures and policies, the identification and elimination of any barriers that prevent any employee from receiving equitable treatment, representation in the workplace, and access, opportunity, and advancement.
DIVERSITY + INCLUSION: they are the power we generate when we value each other’s differences and encourage everyone’s voice to be heard. Together, they fuel ideas and innovation, enrich our experiences, and drive our success. Done well, the result is EQUITY – a fair and equitable playing field where every employee has access to the resources they need to succeed.
- Lead by example and personify our core values
- Show genuine interest in people and believe the best in others
- Actively work to encourage, support and develop each other
- Create an environment where people feel safe to share ideas and express concerns
an ongoing journey
We recognize that building a strong, successful DEI culture is an ongoing journey, and one that flows from the top of the organization.
We are proud to have been recognized by Women on Boards for our Board diversity, where 33% of our Independent Directors are female.
We established our employee diversity baseline to identify areas for improvement and help shape our recruiting efforts, succession planning, and professional development.
In Fiscal 2020, our President and CEO signed the Pay Equity Pledge issued by the Tulsa Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women.
listening + learning
Matrix sponsors and hosts events covering topics such as implicit and unconscious bias, living with disabilities, racism and the Tulsa Race Massacre, uncomfortable conversations, LGBTQ+ history and inclusion, and more.
Matrix President and CEO John Hewitt shared his personal encounters, emphasizing why diversity, equity, and inclusion are so important to him and crucial to our culture as we grow together as a Matrix family.
Matrix continued the conversation on diversity to help us further embrace differences, educate one another, and ultimately build a more inclusive culture inside and outside of our walls. The concept of ‘halos and horns’ was presented to show how unconscious bias and first impressions can block objectivity, causing missed opportunities.
Nationwide, employees gathered online for open conversation on race and healing with Hannibal Johnson, a Harvard Law School graduate, author, attorney, and an expert historian on the Tulsa Race Massacre– one of the worst racially motivated events in U.S. history.
be heard
Learn more about Matrix leadership’s personal perspectives on changing our DEI culture, as well as how our Employee Resource Groups are leading the charge.
We are living in unprecedented times. A simple virus has turned the entire world on its head. It has destroyed lives both medically and economically and created generational changes in how we will do business, travel, and interact. Where and how we eat, shop, and work may never be the same. Entire industries may cease to exist.
In the spirit of our DEI journey at Matrix, I recently led an interactive discussion on the book Waking Up White by Debby Irving with the Matrix Officer team. I found Waking Up White a thought-provoking book, one that made me squirm a little at some of its arguments and challenged my beliefs. I want to share some of the most interesting parts of the book with you, in hopes I can make you squirm just a bit…
In the past 14 months I have been involved in the two People Summits we held, where I&D was a big part of the discussion. Our Matrix I&D committee invited me to join them, which I did eagerly. In October, I signed the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion – the only company in Tulsa, one of five in all of Oklahoma – and attended the CEO Action summit in New York…
resources
If you are looking for more information about a specific topic, or for resources on all things diversity, equity, and inclusion, you’re in the right spot! See what Matrix employees are reading, watching, and listening to.
If you are looking for broad perspectives and actionable ways we can all work toward an equitable world, I can’t recommend this podcast enough. Honestly, anything Ibram X. Kendi touches is gold.
Even just a few episodes in, it’s gone far beyond race to address other inequities and the way they intersect to negatively affect the lives of so many.
In the spirit of our DEI journey at Matrix, I recently led an interactive discussion on the book, Waking Up White, by Debby Irving with the Matrix Officer team. I found Waking Up White a thought-provoking book, one that made me squirm a little at some of its arguments and challenged my beliefs. I want to share some of the most interesting parts of the book with you, in hopes I can make you squirm just a bit.
Really interesting and impactful report from the United Nations Development Programme regarding gender inequality:
Excerpt: Women do more than three times unpaid work than men, which can keep them from having or advancing careers. A recent Oxfam report shows women perform 12.5 billion hours of unpaid labour every day.. 12.5 billion hours. Real progress has been made.
get involved: employees
How do you want to make a difference at Matrix and beyond? Share your interests, skills, resources, and passions with us, and we’ll connect you with the right people.
Are you a potential DEI resource? Submit your interest.
get involved: community
we want you browse jobs
Great people make a company great. We’re looking for people who are ready to make a difference, deliver results, and live our values.
we want you