Diversity, equity and inclusion
The ISO’s most valuable asset is our employees. The collective sum of our individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, unique capabilities and talents enable us to foster, cultivate, and preserve a culture of diversity and inclusion.
In a diverse workplace, we appreciate that each individual is unique and that the contributions of a diverse workforce advance our collective capabilities and organizational results. We acknowledge that diversity includes factors such as: race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, education, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual identity and orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, spiritual beliefs, capabilities (physical/mental) and life experiences.
Our work environment is built on the premise of diversity equity that encourages and enforces:
- Respectful communication and cooperation between all employees.
- Teamwork and employee participation, permitting the representation of all groups and employee perspectives.
- Work/life balance through flexible work schedules to accommodate employees’ varying needs.
All employees of the ISO have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. All employees are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work, at work functions on or off the work site, and at all other company-sponsored and participative events.
At the California ISO, we firmly believe that DEI – diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just an ideal. DEI is a fundamental pillar essential to our mission of operating the world’s most reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable power system. Embracing diversity means welcoming a wide spectrum of perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table, fostering a rich environment for superior decision-making, innovation, and problem-solving. Equity ensures that everyone, irrespective of their background or identity, has an equal opportunity to flourish. An inclusive culture is one where every individual feels safe, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves, unlocking their full potential.
Our unwavering commitment to enhancing DEI within our company includes the following key initiatives:
Expanding representation
We are dedicated to increasing diversity across our organization by actively recruiting, hiring, and promoting qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities. This includes women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and other people of diverse backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles etc.
Eliminating barriers
We are determined to level the playing field by dismantling obstacles that impede success, such as unconscious bias and discrimination. To achieve this, we will rigorously review and refine our internal processes, and provide resources and training to our staff to reduce bias.
Advancing energy equity and environmental justice
Our commitment extends to supporting underserved communities access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy solutions. We will seek out opportunities to drive energy equity initiatives that are consistent with our mission and empower energy equity champions within our organization.
Celebrate diversity and encourage constructive conflict
We are dedicated to empowering all employees from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles to not merely coexist within our organization but to thrive. This involves reducing fear of differences and conflict and deliberately practicing our cultural values of humility and integrity in our interactions. We will acknowledge and celebrate important cultural and diversity-related milestones.
We firmly believe that DEI is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic imperative. A diverse, equitable, and inclusive company is better equipped to thrive and excel. Our goal is that we ALL approach our work with a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.