Summary

Developed a data-driven DEI strategy for Amazon’s Black Employee Network, projecting $6.6B in 10-year revenue impact; presented to executive sponsors including Verizon, Transamerica, and Amazon, earning 2nd place.

Objective

The project recommends strategic DEI (diverse equity inclusion) initiatives for Amazon from the Black Employee Network (BEN) to foster inclusion, innovation, and business development.

Key Initiatives

Includes enhancing the Black Accelerator Program, bringing in a Baltimore Farmer's Market Expo, enhancing STEM education efforts, and integrating DEI learnings into Amazon's business initiatives.

Projected Impact

The plan anticipates $6.6 billion in 10-year revenue growth, improved employee engagement, retention, and recruitment, and stronger community and marketplace inclusion

Prompt

Based on the current DEI challenges facing corporations and new movements to empower employee resource groups, Amazon is looking to amplify the impact and external engagement of its Black Employee Network (BEN). Propose innovative strategies for how BEN can drive value beyond its internal diversity mission.

DEI Challenges Leveraging ERGs

• Lack of leadership buy-in and accountability for DEI goals include
  • Difficulties attracting and retaining diverse talent,
  • Implicit biases persisting in recruiting, promotions, and workplace culture,
  • Struggles to create true belonging for underrepresented groups
  • Disconnect between DEI programs and tangible business impacts.

Note

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): voluntary, employee-led groups unite individuals across shared characteristics or life experiences such as gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, lifestyle, etc.

Amazon’s Black Employee Network (BEN)

• Est in August 2005

• Mission: providing support for Black employees and championing diversity throughout the company’s workforce.

• BEN-DMV stands as Amazon’s single largest chapter with 1,574 members.

• In 2023 alone, the BEN-DMV chapter hosted 30 events, engaged 510 volunteers contributing 1,226 service hours, and facilitated $80,000 in charitable donations to nonprofit organizations.

• Amazon has had a 20% increase in Black employee retention and a 15% uptick in Black hires since the group’s formation.

• Amazon is looking to leverage BEN as a strategic asset to drive business value beyond its internal diversity mission.