Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
"The strongest, most creative and most resilient companies in the world benefit from a tapestry of different backgrounds and thought. By delivering on these commitments, we are valuing, respecting and empowering all individuals to show up as their authentic selves every day."
- Chad Oakley
- CEO
Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Mission
At Charles Aris, we believe inclusion fuels excellence and opportunity unlocks potential. We champion diversity in all forms because when every voice is empowered, stronger ideas emerge, better decisions are made and lasting impact is created.
Freedom to Fade, Freedom to Fail, Freedom to Become and Freedom to Be make up our cultural pillars, shaping a workplace where every person can learn, grow and thrive. We encourage bold thinking, welcome authenticity and create space for curiosity, courage and continuous improvement.
Our mission is ongoing. We’re dedicated to building systems that elevate talent, expand access and cultivate belonging across our teams, our clients and the communities we serve.
Together, we create a world where every individual can rise to their fullest potential, and where opportunity knows no boundaries.
Our progress
We've made strides in gender diversity—from no women on our leadership team in 2010 to 11 in 2024. Today, women comprise 36.6% of our leadership and 55.8% of all full-time team members.
36.6%
of Charles Aris leadership are women
55.8%
of full-time Charles Aris team members are women
Our challenge
We've fallen severely short in regard to the racial and ethnic diversity of our team—especially at the leadership level.
Today, BIPOC employees comprise 9.7% of our leadership and 23.9% of all full-time team members.
9.7%
of Charles Aris leadership are BIPOC
23.9%
of full-time Charles Aris team members are BIPOC
Our commitment
We're placing an increased firmwide emphasis on identifying, attracting and retaining BIPOC employees at all levels and functions in our organization.
By 2025, we will have 15% racial and/or ethnic diversity in leadership and 30% racial and/or ethnic diversity firmwide.
15%
racial and/or ethnic diversity in leadership by 2025
30%
racial and/or ethnic diversity firmwide by 2025
LEAF Groups
Charles Aris LEAF Groups (learn, elevate, amplify, fellowship) promote allyship in the firm. These include BIPOC, women’s and LGBTQ+ learning groups as well as a family resources network.
