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.

LGBTQ+ Representation and Inclusion at ELM

At ELM, LGBTQ+ representation is part of who we are. Members of the LGBTQ+ community help lead our company, shape our creative work, and bring valuable perspectives to our team.

We believe meaningful human connection starts with making room for different voices, experiences, and identities. We’re committed to a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and comfortable being themselves—and to creating learning experiences that reflect the diversity of the people they’re designed to reach.

That commitment extends to our relationships with clients, suppliers, and collaborators. We value partnerships that broaden perspectives, create opportunities, and help build more inclusive workplaces.

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:

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.