Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitment

What Makes Us Unique

At ELM we take Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion seriously. Research has shown organizations that implement DEI projects experience a boost in creative productivity. Latino/Americans, Asian Americans, Arab Americans, Black Americans, LGBTQ+ persons, and those with disabilities are all represented on our ELM team. Additionally, our workforce has a female representation of 75%, and our leadership team has a female representation of 70%. Through our partner Strategic Diversity Initiatives, LLC and our HR service provider Justworks, our team has received individualized training and coaching on allyship, dealing with ableism and disabilities, recognizing LGBTQIA+ identities, and more.

ELM’s LGBT Business Enterprise Certification

ELM is actively prioritizing partnerships with diverse suppliers. As a certified LGBT Business Enterprise, ELM is proud to be certified as an LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE®) through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Supplier Diversity Initiative. The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community and serves as the nation’s exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned and operated businesses.

We know that when it comes to human to human communication, representation matters.  We look forward to working with our clients and other diversity certified businesses to continue building on the values of diverse voices and equal\ opportunities. Many of our clients are also passionate about diversity and inclusion, and we’re proud to partner with those that have specific supplier diversity programs to ensure diversity in their supply chains.

Building inclusive culture & learning

ELM creates innovative approaches to learning. We engage deeply with our clients. We take risks and design boldly. And we do this in a workplace focused on engagement and community. As a company, we are committed to ensuring that ELM is an inclusive, fair, and welcoming workplace for all. At ELM, we bring our whole selves to our spaces, our ideas, and our projects. And our work is better for it.

Goal of ELM’s Supplier Diversity Program

The goal of ELM’s Supplier Diversity Program is to encourage the promotion, growth, and development of businesses owned and operated by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans. ELM is deeply committed to its values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we develop relationships with our suppliers that reflect these values. We have established a company wide Supplier Diversity Program to build relationships with diverse suppliers and help them analyze and adjust their services and products to fit within ELM’s corporate strategies. In this way, ELM is committed to increasing its use of certified diverse suppliers.

ELM’s role

The ELM supplier diversity program is managed by the support services team and overseen by our ownership. Our role is to:

  • Field questions and correspondence from businesses owned and operated by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans.
  • Connect qualified suppliers to the appropriate decision makers and help guide them through the decision making process.

What is a diverse supplier?

At least 51% owned and controlled/operated by a U.S. Citizen with one or more of the following identities:

  • African American
  • South Asian
  • Asian Pacific
  • Native American
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ)
  • Service Disabled Veteran
  • Veteran
  • Women
  • Disabled

The following certifications are accepted:

  • NMSDC

    National Minority Supplier Development Council

  • WBENC

    Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

  • All NMSDC Regional Councils

  • SBA

    Small Business Association / Self Verification Forms through SBA

  • DOBE

    Disability Owned Business Enterprise

Supplier registration

Before you register, make sure you have an accepted certification and a capabilities statement has been sent to [email protected].

Complete your registration by filling out the ELM Supplier Diversity Registration Request Form here.

Questions & comments

Send an email to [email protected] if you have questions or comments regarding the Supplier Diversity Program.

About NGLCC

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. www.nglcc.org 

Please contact below with any questions :

[email protected] 

(202) 234-9181