Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ZBiotics
Working with Beacon Group
At ZBiotics, we care deeply about inclusion not only in our own workplace, but as a part of the people we partner with. One of our key Supply Chain partners that exemplifies this value is Beacon Group.
Beacon Group provides real job training and employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Beacon is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in Arizona and they currently serve more than 2,200 people with disabilities each year.
Beacon believes that the choice to work is essential in supporting the voices of people with disabilities and their choice to lead self-directed lives. Beacon offers programs and opportunities so people with disabilities can work and maintain employment. Beacon Groups helps people experience the satisfaction of achievement, contribution, and earning a paycheck.
Nearly two-thirds of working-age people with disabilities do not have a job. By partnering with Beacon and providing more jobs, we aim to support them in positively changing that statistic.
“Beacon Group is proud to partner with ZBiotics to create jobs for people with disabilities,” says Mitchell Eskritt, Director of Marketing and Development. “When businesses commit to an inclusive work environment, they can unlock unique benefits such as better morale, reduced turnover, and an improved bottom line.”
Thank you Beacon for all that you do for ZBiotics and letting us contribute to your mission.
2023 Volunteer Day
In 2023, ZBioneers engaged in our first company-wide volunteer action day. Even as a largely remote-first team, we were able to coordinate a day of simultaneous volunteer activity at some excellent organizations, including:
The day was a big success for the team, and it inspired us to continue and build on it in 2024 — this time with a volunteer week. This way of doing things typifies how we act at ZBiotics: get started, even if it feels small at the time, then learn and grow and build on it the next time. Big things start small, and energy begets energy. We’re excited to see where this momentum takes us.
2023 Charitable Giving
One of our DE&I pledge commitments is a commitment to action. Among other things, that means donating.
One of the company benefits at ZBiotics is a charitable giving stipend for each employee of $300 per year. The money aside, a wonderful way this benefit manifests is to provide our team the opportunity to share organizations that we care about with each other. In 2023, we donated to a number of excellent nonprofit organizations, including the following:
- Camp Ho Mita Koda
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- Dress for Success
- The Farmlink Project
- Feed My Starving Children
- Grid Alternatives
- Gubbio Project
- Maui Strong Fund (Hawaii Community Foundation)
- Meals On Wheels
- Nourishing Hope
- Social and Economic Action for Lebanon
- World Central Kitchen
We encourage you to check them out and donate yourself.
Our yearly pledge
DE&I rarely happens organically – it must be cultivated That’s why our team updates and recommits every year to our ZBiotics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pledge. The pledge ensures we hold ourselves accountable to a number of commitments:
- Commitment to Amplifying Diverse Voices
- Commitment to Education
- Commitment to Diversity
- Commitment to Action
In keeping with our commitment to transparency, we publish our self-assessed scores against our pledge goals to highlight the work happening behind the scenes. You can also find our pledges from previous years here.
“At ZBiotics, DE&I work doesn't land on one person or group. It's a core part of everyone's job, and that's reflected in the fact that everyone has specific DE&I related goals. The fact that we are all responsible for shaping and creating a culture of belonging at ZBiotics makes our team so much stronger.”
– Katia
“To me, DE&I fundamentally means caring about one another at an individual level. It means recognizing that each of us brings our own unique perspective and personal background to work every day, and that getting to know those differences makes our relationships, team, and individual work lives richer, more enjoyable, and more fulfilling.”
– Stephen
“When I first applied at ZBiotics, something that stood out to me on the job description was an invitation for folks with backgrounds that don't neatly fit the "requirements" not to feel discouraged from applying. As someone in that group, I thought to myself, "You know what? I'll apply anyway." From then on I've been continually shocked and impressed at how truly committed ZBiotics is to inclusivity and amplifying diverse voices. I am so grateful that my perspective is valued, and even more grateful for the diverse perspectives of my peers because it makes our work and the company as a whole that much better.”
– Maggie.
Where Diversity Fuels Innovation
At ZBiotics, we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and lead to better outcomes for everyone. We’re building a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make an impact. If you’re ready to bring your unique perspective to a team that’s shaping the future, we’d love for you to join us.
