December 10 - Delta and CEO Ed Bastian are among 37 founding companies and CEOs joining to form OneTen, an organization that will combine the power of these committed American companies to recruit, hire, train and advance 1 million Black Americans over the next 10 years into sustaining jobs with opportunities for advancement.

 

“Effecting change in the world starts in our own back yard,” said Bastian. “At Delta, we have committed to refining our talent strategy and establishing measurable goals as we continue our work to create a more diverse and inclusive airline that reflects the world we serve. Joining like-minded companies through the OneTen coalition is another opportunity to be an active participant in positive progress.”

 

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other CEOs and organizations who are dedicated to making meaningful, measurable and lasting systemic impact on racial and economic justice.”

 

OneTen is a coalition of leaders across a variety of industries who are committed to ensuring that Black Americans with the skills and aptitude to earn success also have the opportunity to achieve success. OneTen has set out to change the way companies support more equitable environments that drive better business outcomes and benefit all employees.

 

 

Keyra Lynn Johnson, Delta’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, said, “The importance of representation at every level within companies cannot be underestimated. Our partnership with OneTen will ensure Delta is helping to close the workforce representation gaps we see in our company and in society. In addition, understanding that OneTen has the potential to generate $1 billion of wealth in a decade – we have an opportunity to help close the wealth gaps that have existed for far too long.”

 

“In support of OneTen’s work to make opportunities more accessible, fair and equitable, we also are ensuring Delta is well-positioned to access the readily available and growing diverse talent in the market.”

 

The partnership comes on the heels of Bastian’s recent commitment to increase representation among Black employees:

• Requiring that all hiring slates and interview panels reflect diversity • Removing qualification barriers for roles that do not require college degrees, allowing equal consideration for experience or certifications, which are more equitably accessible • Expanding the recruiting efforts to include more Historically Black Colleges and Universities, while requiring all schools where Delta recruits to have strong diversity and inclusion plans • Joining forces with coalitions like the 1 Million Jobs Initiative and working alongside other employers to provide 1 million good jobs over the next 10 years • Strengthening Delta's corporate internship, MBA and pipeline-development programs to increase opportunities for future Black professionals

 

“BOLD, Delta’s Black Community Business Resource Group, has become my advisory council to incorporate their voices and recommendations into our work,” Bastian said. “I’ve brought their leadership team in to meet with me regularly to understand from their perspective what our company, our customers, our employees and our community need. It has become one of my favorite meetings where the conversations help drive change.”

 

The newly established OneTen organization will cultivate an ecosystem that brings together major employers, in partnership with the nation’s leading non-profits and other skill-credentialing organizations to create a more flexible talent pipeline and practices that will allow employees and employers to thrive.

 

In January 2021, the organization will begin working with partner employers to improve workplace inclusivity practices and connect talent providers to partner employers shortly thereafter. Learn more at OneTen.org.

 

Delta’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Delta remains committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the broadest sense. Partnering with organizations like OneTen is one way Delta values can be seen in action. They leverage the influence of Delta's brand to drive meaningful change for their employees, customers and communities as Delta accelerates their strategy to seek diversity, promote inclusion and drive accountability for equitable outcomes.

 

This announcement is one of many actions Delta is taking to drive systemic change. Learn more about the steps that Delta is taking to become an anti-discrimination organization here. Delta’s senior cross-divisional Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council ensures these goals are embedded throughout the organization by evaluating corporate and divisional metrics, programs and proposals. Delta Air Lines also has 10 Business Resource Groups that encourage employees to bring diverse perspectives to the table as strategists and thought leaders on business issues.

 

As a “Best Workplace for Diversity,” Delta has been recognized as a “Best Workplace for Women” by Great Place To Work and Fortune for three years in a row, “Top-Rated Workplaces for Veterans” by Indeed, and “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”

 

 

---

More Travel News:

WTTC warns a no-deal Brexit could risk hundreds of thousands of Travel & Tourism jobs
WTTC launches major new report for a Safe & Seamless Traveller Journey in the ‘new normal’
Viva Wyndham Resorts has got you covered!
Beautiful accommodations at the new Ocean Coral Spring