Transforming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to Propel DSM Forward

During the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Future Ready DSM podcast, guests share insights about the employment landscape for people entering the workforce, as well as those looking to advance or change their career paths with The Partnership’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Dr. Marvin DeJear.  

As region bank president for Wells Fargo Bank, tri-chair for the DSM USA 4 Equity Task Force and a 2021 Business Record Women of Influence honoree, Marta Codina emphasizes the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the last Future Ready podcast of 2021. 

Leading in the DEI Space

Spending 40-plus years in the banking industry, Codina has watched it evolve over time. Her pride and passion is focusing on leading through the DEI space as a proud, Latina executive in Greater Des Moines (DSM). She feels a responsibility to help other diverse workers push forward in their careers and make an impact within the DEI space. 

Wells Fargo has many tools and resources for DEI, and creating a culture of engagement is a priority. For the first time in the history of the company, there is a diversity officer who reports directly to the CEO. She said there are a lot of things at the “top of the house” that are creating that culture of engagement. An operating committee of 30 senior leaders are engaging in sponsorship opportunities with high-potential diverse talent within the company, sponsoring employee-resource groups (ERGs) and more. 

DSM USA 4 Equity Task Force

As a tri-chair for the DSM USA 4 Equity Task Force, along with Renee Hardman, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, and Tanner Krause, CEO of Kum & Go, Codina works to elevate DSM’s commitment to racial equity through sustainable action and measurable shifts in policy and practice. Currently, nearly 30 people serve in this collective effort to bring resources together and create a master plan for the community. In early 2022, a survey will take place to measure outcomes around inclusion and equity in DSM, which will help propel the region and transform the DEI space here in the future. 

Diverse Employee Attraction + Retention in DSM 

By focusing on diverse thought, background and experiences, DSM will become better. Codina said that any time decisions need to be made, we need to be inviting diverse voices to the table. For employees, it’s important that they see the path to move forward in their careers. Anything DEI-related will help businesses and organizations with long-term growth in DSM.  

Listen to the entire podcast above. 

The Future Ready DSM podcast brings Greater Des Moines (DSM) employment leaders and experts in to discuss the latest trends in talent attraction and retention in the region. Hosted by Greater Des Moines Partnership Senior Vice President of Talent Development Dr. Marvin DeJear.