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Printed in the Spring 2009 issue of Horizons,
a magazine for the clients and friends of RubinBrown LLP
Sustainability: Diversity
By Steven L. Harris, CPA
The
conversation on sustainability would not be complete without
highlighting one of the key elements of this concept: diversity.
Organizations across the globe are placing a major emphasis on and
allocating substantial resources toward creating an inclusive
environment.
Making diversity an essential priority is a growing
concept not only in companies, but even in cities across the country.
This effort is gaining substantial momentum and requiring organizations
to develop key strategies that address their individual and regional
diversity needs.
Significant changes and challenges have
emerged in today’s environment, which have made the ability to evolve
essential to companies’ success.
As we navigate through
increasingly difficult economic times, the value of an inclusive region
has become more significant for RubinBrown and other St. Louis
companies. The vision of the benefits and overall economic impact
associated with a diverse St. Louis is what led to the establishment of
InSight St. Louis.
Since 2006, InSight St. Louis has provided
opportunities for current college students attending Historically Black
Colleges and Universities to connect with Fortune 500 and midsize
companies to find careers and create lives for themselves in the city
of St. Louis.
This objective is accomplished by RubinBrown and
17 other St. Louis-based companies sharing resources to promote the
city as a great place to develop an exciting career and maintain an
appealing lifestyle.
Through InSight St. Louis, member companies
are able to attend career fairs and events on the campuses of
well-known HBCUs in the cities of Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and
Hampton, Va.
Company representatives have the opportunity to
meet and interview top students and develop relationships with key
faculty and staff at the targeted schools. Students identified through
the recruiting efforts of InSight St. Louis are invited to apply for an
all-expense paid trip to St. Louis in the fall.
Selected
candidates are given the opportunity to network with top executives and
other young professionals at various functions during their visit. The
students also can interview with any of the 18 member companies during
their visit.
Once a candidate is hired by a member company, they
can choose to pursue advanced educational opportunities and training at
one of St. Louis’ premiere universities, while beginning their careers
at their sponsoring company.
Candidates also learn about the
inner workings of St. Louis and gain access and exposure to some of the
major decision-makers and key organizations in this region through the
distinguished Immersion Program.
The Immersion Program was
created to help candidates integrate into the community by connecting
with key professional associations and established corporate and
community leaders.
Candidates in this program are viewed as
“favorite sons and daughters of the city” and given an exclusive
introduction to the city while they create the lifestyle they desire
here.
This year, RubinBrown was honored to host one of the
featured events of the visit, the Annual Corporate Roundtable and
Career Expo. At the Corporate Roundtable, each member company of
InSight St. Louis presents to the students the opportunities available,
corporate culture and key differentiators of their organizations.
Students
are encouraged to participate in the Career Expo to learn additional
information about the member companies. Along with the other great
events and activities of the visit, the Corporate Roundtable showcases
the best that St. Louis has to offer in careers and gets individuals
excited about living and working in this city.
Through InSight
St. Louis, RubinBrown is able to make a difference and add depth and
variety to the fabric of the firm, the city of St. Louis and the
accounting profession.
RubinBrown truly values all that St. Louis
has to offer and is excited to share it with an exceptionally talented
group of individuals.
Questions? Contact:
Steven L. Harris, CPA
Manager
Assurance Services Group
314.290.3265
steven.harris@rubinbrown.com
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