At The Luc Cochran Foundation (TLCF), we are unwavering in our dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). We understand that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment not only drives innovation and creativity, but also enriches our work culture, our mission, and our ability to serve the communities we care about. As we continue to grow and evolve, these values remain at the core of everything we do.

Our DEI principles are not just buzzwords—they are the foundation of our culture, shaping how we interact with one another and how we serve our community. We believe that every person has the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, and that these values are integral to our mission of empowering young people and fostering educational opportunities.

Our DEI Pledge

As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a truly inclusive and supportive environment, TLCF makes the following pledge:

• We pledge to celebrate and respect diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, socioeconomic status, background, and perspectives. We recognize that each person’s unique experiences contribute to the richness of our workplace and the communities we serve.
• We pledge to ensure equity in everything we do. From recruitment and hiring to leadership opportunities and compensation, we commit to providing fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all individuals. We will continuously examine and improve our policies and practices to ensure that everyone has equal access to success.
• We pledge to foster an inclusive environment where every team member, volunteer, contractor, and community member feels welcome, supported, and empowered. We will actively cultivate a workplace where diverse voices are heard, valued, and respected, and where every individual is encouraged to bring their authentic self to work.
• We pledge to continuously learn, listen, and grow. DEI is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to listening to our team members, gathering feedback, and implementing practices that reflect the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that this journey requires effort, reflection, and constant improvement, and we are dedicated to this process.

Our DEI Practices and Strategies

To uphold our pledge and build an environment where DEI is embedded in all aspects of TLCF, we have developed a set of practices and strategies that guide our operations:

1. Inclusive Hiring Practices
   • We are committed to attracting and retaining talent from diverse backgrounds. This includes ensuring that job postings are widely accessible and written in inclusive language, and that hiring panels reflect diverse perspectives.
   • We actively seek out underrepresented groups and create pathways for historically marginalized communities to succeed and thrive at TLCF.
   • We employ a blind recruitment process whenever possible to eliminate unconscious bias from hiring decisions.
2. Equity in Career Development
   • We provide equal opportunities for training, mentorship, and career advancement to all employees, contractors, and volunteers.
   • We ensure that promotions, raises, and leadership opportunities are based on merit and are equally available to all individuals, regardless of background or identity.
   • We regularly assess compensation and benefits to ensure fairness and equity across the organization.
3. Inclusive Work Environment
   • We strive to create a work environment where everyone feels they belong. This includes fostering open communication, offering support to those in need, and celebrating a variety of cultural and religious holidays.
   • We implement employee resource groups (ERGs) that provide safe spaces for individuals from specific communities or backgrounds to connect and share experiences.
   • We conduct regular training and workshops on DEI topics, such as unconscious bias, cultural competence, and inclusive leadership, to enhance the understanding and awareness of our entire team.
4. Accessible Communication
   • We ensure that all internal communications, including newsletters, policies, and announcements, are accessible to everyone. This includes offering alternative formats (e.g., larger print, screen readers) for individuals with disabilities.
   • We encourage open and transparent communication, where feedback on DEI-related issues is not only welcomed but actively sought. This ensures that we are always learning and evolving.
5. Community Engagement and Partnership
   • Our commitment to DEI extends beyond our organization to the communities we serve. We actively seek partnerships with other organizations that align with our values and work to make the world a more inclusive place.
   • We ensure that the programs and initiatives we offer, such as our mentorship and job readiness programs, are accessible to all young people, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities.
6. Ongoing DEI Education
   • We provide continuous educational opportunities for our employees, contractors, and volunteers to learn about DEI topics. This includes workshops, webinars, and participation in conferences that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
   • We support the ongoing development of a DEI learning library, accessible to all team members, which includes resources on inclusive leadership, allyship, and understanding cultural differences.
7. Transparent Accountability and Reporting
   • We are committed to transparent accountability. Our leadership team regularly reviews our DEI strategies, progress, and outcomes to ensure we are meeting our goals. This includes tracking our diversity metrics and sharing our progress with the organization.
   • We are committed to publishing an annual DEI report that outlines the steps we’ve taken, the challenges we’ve faced, and the progress we’ve made. This report is shared with all employees and stakeholders to ensure accountability and to celebrate our successes.
8. Support for DEI-Related Concerns
   • If at any point you experience or observe behavior that contradicts our DEI values, we encourage you to report it. We have clear procedures in place for handling DEI-related concerns, and we will treat any issues with the seriousness they deserve.
   • All concerns can be directed to Human Resources at [email protected], where a dedicated HR representative will respond promptly and work with you to address the issue.

Why DEI Matters to TLCF

For TLCF, DEI is more than just a set of practices—it's the heart of our mission. As we work to empower young people through education, mentorship, and support, we know that diversity, equity, and inclusion are key to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to succeed.