MIAMI--October 17, 2012: Ryder System, Inc. , a leader in commercial transportation and supply chain management solutions, today announced it has received the 2012 Diversity in Action Award, the seventh annual diversity and inclusion award of the Greater Miami Society for Human Resource Management (GMSHRM). The award, which recognizes an organization in South Florida that promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and makes a positive impact on the community, was accepted recently by Ryder's Group Director of Diversity & Inclusion Rueben Stokes at GMSHRM's Diversity in Action Program at Jungle Island in Miami Beach, Fla.
“This year Ryder truly stood out among the nominations.”
"The purpose of this award is not only to name a winner -- indeed, all companies undertaking diversity and inclusion initiatives are 'winners' -- but also to honor the company whose diversity and inclusion practices stand out among the stellar nominees considered each year," said Claire Bergquist, diversity director of GMSHRM. "This year Ryder truly stood out among the nominations."
Founded in 1952, the Greater Miami Society for Human Resource Management (GMSHRM) is dedicated to advancing the HR professional and career by providing a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of HR practitioners. The GMSHRM Diversity & Inclusion Awards is an annual program to recognize organizations and individuals who promote excellence in the workplace by welcoming and encouraging employees of different perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. This year, GMSHRM named the award "Diversity in Action" to focus on companies that not only have promoted diversity and inclusion in the workplace but have also benefited the community.
Ryder was recognized for a number of key achievements and initiatives, including the following:
- The Ryder Charitable Foundation has supported Ryder's overall company focus on creating a diverse and inclusive working environment for employees. As part of this effort, the Foundation provides support to numerous organizations such as the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force; Women Executive Leadership (WEL); the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) with funds specifically directed to local university, Florida Memorial University; the Hispanic Scholarship Fund; the Nat Moore Foundation; and United Way of Miami-Dade. The Foundation also has strong partnerships with Goodwill Industries and Sunrise Community, both of which support special needs populations, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami-Dade.
- In 2011, Ryder joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes program and became a member of the Chamber's Veterans Employment Advisory Council. As a member of the VEAC, Ryder pledged to hire 1,000 veterans by 2013. To support this initiative, Ryder launched a military hiring landing page at www.ryder.com/military to help veterans match their skills with open positions at Ryder and made a commitment to attend more than 30 military recruiting fairs. In addition, Ryder strengthened its 20-member veteran hiring task force to better meet the needs of veterans transitioning back into the workforce.
- In 2011, Ryder sourced $336 million or 8.01% of its total negotiable spend with small and diverse suppliers. Ryder also supports minority vendors through its membership in the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).
- Ryder has shown a strong commitment to developing and advancing women to key leadership roles. In 2011, Ryder carried out the Women Leadership Forum, a two-day gathering of the 70 most senior women in the company to discuss topics related to attracting and developing women at Ryder. A WLF Task Force was created to continue recommending actions and programs to support women's advancement at Ryder.
"Ryder's Diversity and Inclusion focus is a vital part of our overall business strategy and culture," said Ryder Chairman and CEO Greg Swienton. "We embrace diversity and inclusion not only because it enriches our life experience, but also because in a very real sense, it keeps us competitive. A truly diverse and inclusive company benefits from the ideas of the best talent in the global marketplace and develops the strongest, most innovative solutions."
