At Waterford, we define Inclusive Excellence as: the result of the cohesive, coherent, and collaborative integration of diversity, inclusion, and equity into our organizational pursuit of excellence. We recognize that our success is dependent on, and tied directly to, how well we value, engage, and embed culturally responsive practices and inclusive intelligence into our operational strategies.
We are only truly excellent when we are inclusive.
We work intentionally to:
Empower individuals from underrepresented groups by facilitating the conditions for diversity of thinking to flourish.
Provide programs and supports that center equity, value cultural diversity, and reflect an understanding of the communities we serve.
Invite, recruit, and value talent and partners who represent diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives.
Cultivate a culture of inclusive excellence by:
(1) Reflecting through an equity lens
(2) Humanizing marginalized identities
(3) Engaging authentically
Waterford has established the following intentional goals to advance inclusive excellence.
Organizational leadership and staff possess the social and cultural competencies to develop programs and deliver services that center equity, value cultural diversity, and reflect an understanding of the communities we serve.
Waterford’s communications collateral are asset-based, reflect social and cultural competence, and are intentionally segmented to effectively engage diverse audiences and stakeholders.
Service delivery intentionally centers equity, values cultural diversity, and reflects an understanding of the communities we serve while disrupting systemic inequities.
Waterford programs and curriculum are inclusive of and honor the children, families, and communities we serve.
Waterford’s organizational leadership and staff represent the communities we serve (culturally and racially diverse) and demonstrate an understanding of inclusive excellence and cultural competence.
Learning content that reflects diverse ethnicities, cultural traditions, abilities, experiences, and family structures.
A diverse network of professionals with subject matter expertise in education, literacy, and cultural proficiency.
“I feel like it’s an amazing opportunity for people to bring their authentic selves to work and showcase everything about them even their culture, their background, everything.”
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are voluntary, employee-led groups that elevate marginalized identities while advancing the organization’s mission and goals. Employee Resource Groups serve a dual purpose: They create opportunities for personal and career development, and they cultivate safe spaces for employees to confidently bring their authentic selves to their work environment.
Currently, Waterford team members have launched the following Employee Resource Groups:
By harnessing the power of our extensive network, we promote internal and external activities to support and invest in professional development and help attract, retain, empower, celebrate, and inspire others.
We wish to create an inclusive environment where members from any background can benefit from and share a passion for Latin and Hispanic cultures and interests.
We aim to foster a supportive community that celebrates differences and advocates for all those in the Waterford.org network who may be managing a disability, including employees and their families, as well as all the children, educators, and partners we serve.
Our purpose is to create intentional and permanent transformation in our community by providing a safe space within our organization that embraces the LGBTQ+ community and allows employees to see both themselves and others reflected in the work we do. This helps create an environment where employees feel motivated and inspired to succeed. Through these efforts, we aim to be a driving force in the ongoing journey toward encouraging individuals to be their full, authentic selves.
