Theresa Dear, chief human resources and people officer at Vivent Health, says she holds the title of chief because of the mentors in her life.
Growing up in foster care, Dear said she experienced neglect and instability, but she also experienced compassion, empathy and generosity.
“As a teen, I saw people giving their advice, time and resources and sometimes doing it anonymously. In HR, I’m able to extend that to employees,” she said.
That’s why, she said, DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) is important. At Milwaukee-based Vivent Health, Dear works with her team to enact a five-year DEIB plan.
Results, so far, include:
- Employee resource groups for working parents, African American employees, LatinX employees, and LGBTQIA+ employees. There are plans for a women’s group.
- Vivent’s insurance benefits for the LGBTQIA+ community include coverage for gender-affirming surgery for transgender employees.
- Diversity training for everyone in the organization.
- An annual week of understanding where LGBTQIA+ employees share their stories.
- 46% diverse employee representation
