Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

CPChem is building upon its foundation of DE&I principles with programs and efforts that advance a culture where diversity is celebrated, equity prioritized and inclusion woven into all aspects of the organization. We want employees to feel included and connected to our company and to each other. Further, we believe people thrive when they hold a strong sense of belonging and have access to development opportunities. Nurturing these elements of our culture can lead to a more profound employee experience and an energized workforce active in our company, culture and communities around the world.

Using 2023 as a year of introspection, we sought out candid reflections, evaluated current practices and reorganized our approach to better align with the evolving needs of CPChem’s diverse workforce and network.

Distinguished in Diversity

CPChem’s DE&I efforts were also recognized in 2023 through acknowledgements in Forbes lists such as:

• Best Employers for Diversity in 2023 for third consecutive year (Rank: 284)
• Best Employer for Women in 2023 (Rank: 237)
• World’s Best Employers in 2023 (Rank: 336)

Celebrating Differences: United in Diversity

Last year, CPChem was selected by Forbes for its “Best Employers for Diversity” list. This accomplishment highlights CPChem’s ongoing commitment to an inclusive workplace where diversity is not only embraced but regarded as inextricably tied to the company’s success. The Forbes acknowledgements in 2023 are encouraging endorsements of CPChem’s pursuit of excellence through diversity.

“These recognitions are a testament to CPChem’s genuine commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates differences. I am proud of these awards as well as the environment we promote where every individual feels valued, empowered and respected.”

More than a Decade of ICARE

Having launched more than 10 years ago, CPChem’s program built around principles of Inclusion, Cooperation, Accountability and Respect Every day (ICARE) remains strong and central to our culture.

Every year, CPChem recognizes standout individuals who demonstrate and promote the ICARE principles. In 2023, more than 390 nominations were submitted for this highly respected employee award. Recipients are known to exhibit and inspire diverse ideas and unique perspectives that propel innovation across the organization. These ICARE leaders propagate trust and personify CPChem’s mission and values.

Championing Change: Our DE&I Journey

An established framework of employee groups helps steer DE&I at CPChem.

Executive Diversity Council (EDC)

Members of senior leadership and select representatives across the company sit on CPChem’s Executive Diversity Council (EDC). The EDC provides guidance and direction for our DE&I journey to advance DE&I objectives throughout every facility and at every level of our organization.

ICARE Ambassadors

Selected by local management of each site and approved by the EDC, ICARE ambassadors and council members promote ICARE principles wherever CPChem operates. Working in tandem with site management, ambassadors and council members engage colleagues by:

• Building awareness and supporting positive workplace behaviors
• Providing DE&I guidance and information
• Modeling best practices and acting as agents of change

Employee Resource Groups

CPChem believes Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are integral to a culture of inclusion and high employee morale. ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that support and guide members through personal and career developments. Each ERG is paired with an executive sponsor, helping to strengthen communications and connections between employees and company leadership. ERG members promote safe spaces and advocate for employees to bring their authentic selves to work.

We proudly support our ERGs and commend their reputations of diversity and companionship.

BELIEVE (Black Employees Leading in Inclusion, Education, Vision and Excellence)

Serves as a forum to share knowledge, develop skills, leverage capabilities and recognize the achievements and advancement of Black employees.

PRIDE

Promotes an inclusive culture that enables LGBTQ+ employees to achieve their full potential by feeling confident and safe at work.

HOLA (Hispanic Origin Latin Advancement)

Serves as a forum to share knowledge, develop skills, leverage capabilities and recognize the achievements and advancement of Hispanic and Latin American employees within CPChem.

INSPIRASIAN

Dedicated to fostering an environment where Asian members and allies can feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, be heard, valued, engaged, and receive support to reach their fullest potential.

STRIVE (Seeking Thoughtful Representation in Valuable Employees)

Focused on driving collaborative conversation on career fulfillment with a focus on unique challenges to women in the workplace.

VETNET

Committed to fostering an environment for those currently serving in the military, veterans and allies to come together and support one another by sharing experiences, networking, mentoring and supporting military members and veterans in the community.

The combined membership of CPChem’s six ERGs totaled 1,365 employees in 2023. We continue to see growth as ERG members and allies strengthen high-trust relationships and work to generate positive impacts for their colleagues, culture, company and communities.

Leading the Way: America’s Best Employers for Women

We champion work environments that enable all employees to flourish. Named by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Employers for Women,” CPChem believes it is on the right track and advocates for gender equality and greater empowerment of women in the workplace.

CPChem Employees Honored with National Women MAKE Awards

Two CPChem employees were among 130 national recipients of the prestigious 2024 Women MAKE award by the National Association of Manufacturers’ (NAM) Manufacturing Institute. Crystal Cintra, Procurement Lead, received an Honoree Award and Erica Stewart, Instrumentation Reliability Engineer, received the Emerging Leader Award.

The Women MAKE Awards recognize women in science, technology, engineering and production careers who exemplify leadership within their companies. This national honor identifies top talent in the manufacturing industry and further encourages award winners to mentor and support the next generation of female talent to pursue manufacturing careers.

“We are delighted that Crystal and Erica are being honored by this esteemed group. Both women deserve every acknowledgement of their leadership and of the significant impacts they have at CPChem and in the community.”

Supporting the UNSDGs

Girls in STEM

STRIVE, CPChem’s ERG supporting women in the workplace, hosted STEM students from Bartlesville High School to discuss the sustainability of polymers and offer a glimpse into careers in STEM. Students heard from CPChem experts and participated in interactive activities before visiting the Plastics Technology Center and touring robotics in our Material Evaluation Labs.

FOSSI and the Future of STEM

CPChem sponsors the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI), a collaborative program aimed at creating pathways for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities to enter and succeed in the chemical industry. To date, CPChem has sponsored 20 FOSSI scholars, and the company plans to sponsor a total of 10 more students in 2024 and 2025. We believe quality education is a human right and we actively support enrichment programs that build awareness, interest, skills and knowledge in STEM fields.
SDG #4, Quality Education
SDG #8, Decent Work and Economic Growth

“Programs like FOSSI are vital to ensure our future workforce has the technical education, mentorships and support systems needed to help our company evolve and to develop solutions for global challenges.”

CPChem Welcomes Urban Enrichment Institute

The Urban Enrichment Institute (UEI) is a youth leadership and development program for at-risk males, ages 12 to 19. UEI serves one of Houston’s most economically depressed neighborhoods and is designed to empower students to become responsible and productive members of their families and community. Last summer, CPChem’s Pasadena Plastics Complex welcomed 40 students from UEI, ages 12 to 18, to its facility for a glimpse into manufacturing and to interact with industry professionals. Through experiences like these, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and technology professionals.