Tampa Bay’s Favorite Local Corporation for Equality
Tech Data, a global technology distributor, celebrated $37.2 billion in sales last year. But the Fortune 500 company’s most valuable asset is arguably its workforce – 14,000 people in more than 100 countries worldwide, including nearly 2,000 at its Clearwater headquarters.
“Tech Data’s people are the best and brightest in the industry and as diverse as the products and services the company provides,” the corporation shares. “A cornerstone of the company’s culture, Tech Data believes Diversity and Inclusion in our global workforce produces more innovative results and provides a competitive advantage.”
The company’s internal commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its five minority-focused Business Resource Groups – including Spectrum, its LGBTQ-focused effort. The group is dedicated to promoting a safe and welcoming environment regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and regularly sponsors workshops to increase understanding.
“The group has hosted very successful educational events,” Tech Data Director of Diversity and Inclusion Cal Jackson says. “We’ve had a lot of people showing up for these and have built modules that talk about moving from allies to advocates … helping them understand how to show up for your fellow LGBTQ colleagues here in the workplace and what that means.”
In St. Petersburg, that’s translated to an ever-expanding presence during St Pete Pride. In 2016, more than 100 employees, friends and family members marched in Tech Data’s name. That number has increased annually, growing to more than 1200 parade participants last year. Tech Data also became the march’s title sponsor.
The nation’s largest LGBTQ advocacy group celebrated Tech Data’s commitment to equality in the workplace long before its Pride presence, however. The company has received a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign’s corporate equality index for 15 consecutive years.
“By embracing the diversity of our colleagues around the globe and cultivating an environment of inclusion, we enrich our company, culture, and communities,” the company shares. “Tech Data is proud to be recognized in the community as a leader in the promotion and practice of diversity and inclusion.”
