NEWSROOM

More Than Numbers: The Lasting Impact of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Being a senior at Cristo Rey Fort Worth High School isn’t all about college applications. It is also about working five times a month at a corporate job and learning from different teams there. During my high school experience, I got to work at a botanical garden, a hospital lab and on the Marketing team at GM Financial. Thanks to my school’s Corporate Work Study program, I have been preparing for college with experience and a clear idea of what I want in my professional career.

From the moment I started my internship with GM Financial, I recognized how much they really care about becoming the most inclusive company in the world. Their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion goes further than just numbers and setting goals for diversity in the next few years. They have consistently shown their commitment by:

• Adjusting remote work based on team member needs.
• Creating Employee Resource Groups such as Working Parents, YounGen and the Women’s Inspiration Network.
• Being awarded one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+” in Mexico in 2021.

They even welcome eager-to-learn 17-year-olds like me into different departments to work as interns for a school year. In only a few months, I have worked on creating content for Hispanic Heritage Month, social media research projects and writing articles. One of the things that I like the most about interning at GM Financial is that I can join projects for different teams and see how different departments collaborate to create content.

Additionally, the company sponsors a 10-week internship that allows college students to join a company that values their contribution and wants to add to their success.

Neeti Upreti, VP Talent Acquisition, agrees that “academics are important, but hands-on experience is equally as important.” These learning experiences for young adults happen because of companies like GM Financial. It’s important to work in a place where all backgrounds are welcome and the input of those who are starting their journey in the workforce is celebrated to help grow and create leaders for the future.

“As an intern, I went from working in Marketing to Talent Acquisition,” says Kathryn Kolski, University Talent Advisor at GM Financial. “I accepted this job because I wanted to continue working with such a welcoming team and with co-workers who made me feel supported when I was starting my career."

Like Kathryn, I believe it’s important for young team members to feel encouraged in their work environment. They can explore different areas that can guide their career paths, while also learning skills that will help them thrive in that career.

The time I have spent with GM Financial has made me realize that marketing is something I want to continue exploring in college and in my professional career. Not only that, but I have also been inspired to advocate for a more inclusive and diverse community. Creating a space where all perspectives are welcome builds a team where everyone feels supported and confident to succeed.

I could not imagine having an internship anywhere else for my last year of high school. Because my co-workers value and support me, I'm able to see how diversity, equity and inclusion are shown every day.

By Rennata Sandoval

Rennata is a soon-to-be college freshman majoring in English to continue her passion for language and media. She loves challenging herself to see how many books she can finish in a weekend, talking about her hometown in Mexico and watching the same rom-coms over and over.