SJI Continues Commitment to DEI+B by Hosting Summit to Raise Cultural Awareness, Celebrate Differences

FOLSOM, NJ, October 1, 2024 – Last week, SJI hosted its 2nd annual DEI+B Summit, where it featured interactive workshops, Employee Resource Groups/Wellness tabling, virtual sessions and a keynote speaker. The full-day event provided employees of SJI with actionable tips and insights to support the company's mission of fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where employees feel a sense of belonging and are comfortable bringing their whole selves to work each day.

"SJI is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at all levels of our organization," said Shawn Abner Purnell, vice president and chief diversity officer, SJI. "This event is a great opportunity for us to engage our employees across the organization to drive alignment with the business and to increase awareness, growth, development and interconnectedness in the DEI+B space."

SJI's Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is rooted in three tenets: talent, supplier diversity, and community partnerships. These tenets continue to act as the foundation of its program and represent its overall DEI+B strategy. SJI supports this strategy by helping employees connect with one another in meaningful ways, offering helpful inclusion training and development resources, providing education on wellness programs and encouraging meaningful discussions.

"Regardless of your title or role, we all share a responsibility to foster inclusivity and embrace a growth mindset," said Chris Fitzpatrick, DEI+B expert and keynote speaker. "When we create an environment where every voice is valued and every person is empowered to grow, we strengthen not just our company but our entire community."

Beyond this event and the DEI+B team's efforts, SJI's Employee Resource Groups focus on inclusion and belonging efforts throughout the organization. SJI has six Employee Resource Groups including the American Association of Blacks in Energy – South Jersey Chapter; the Women's Leadership Initiative; the Veterans Engagement Team; the Green Team; Power of Pride (PoP) and Emerging Leaders. These groups are dedicated to helping drive employee engagement, fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace, developing future leaders and broadening partnerships in the communities we serve.

During the event, SJI recognized the “Inclusion Catalysts of the Year,” outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at our organization and within our communities – through their voices, advocacy, and visibility. The following employees and groups were recognized: 

• Shana McCarron, Lead Talent Management Specialist 
• J.D. Dreyer, IT Support Specialist III 
• IT Team, led by Mike Bizzoco, VP, Information Technology 
• Christina Teel-King, Senior Customer Outreach Specialist 
• Daisy Trocan, Senior Customer Outreach Specialist 
• Green Team Employee Resource Group, co-led by Margo Carr, Manager, Environmental and Caitlin Bast, Senior Environmental Specialist, Environmental

For more information about SJI's DEI+B programs, visit sjindustries.com/diversity-and-inclusion.