Nissan’s diversity initiatives are truly an example to other businesses of how a company can create a culture of inclusion, understanding and community in its workplaces. If you didn’t know it, Nissan has the most diverse consumer base of any other auto manufacturer, so it’s been important to the company not only to promote diversity in-house, but also to support organizations that promote diversity in local communities and schools. These efforts have landed Nissan on DiversityInc’s list of 25 Noteworthy Companies for two years straight.
Nissan’s ongoing support of employee resource groups is exemplary. There are over 20 affinity groups in the company, which include members who serve their local communities in several ways and raise the issue of cultural awareness in the workplace. Aside from internal diversity, Nissan works with a wide range of outside organizations, like 100 Black Men of America, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
In partnership with 100 Black Men of America, Nissan participated in a Resume Challenge that provided high school and college students in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Washington D.C., Nashville and Jackson (MS) with career guidance and mentoring. Several of the students also got to take part in a special leadership development workshop and job shadowing opportunity at Nissan’s Tennessee headquarters.
When partnering with LULAC, Nissan hosted STEM-program students at its manufacturing facilities. The students - future scientists, programmers and engineers - got to meet with Nissan engineers to learn firsthand about their jobs and career opportunities in the auto industry. Nissan also donated $180,000 to LULAC for its National Educational Services Centers.
It’s not just youth who benefit from Nissan’s initiatives either. Nissan’s Diversity Office, which is an active member of the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, sponsors workshops for local business leaders in Nashville, where they share best practices for creating inclusive work environments for all staff members, as well as ways to support LGBT employees and the LGBT community.
Additionally, Nissan has made substantial donations to Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the southeast, specifically providing funding for STEM programs. On top of this, 100 percent of its Nissan Foundation funds are donated to educational programs that have an emphasis on fostering cultural appreciation and understanding.
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