Celebrating and embracing our diversity

When it comes to communicating our diversity and inclusion efforts, we talk the talk. We get the word out through our employee resource groups, team contests, recruiting strategies, awards and more.

But to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we also walk the walk … literally.

For three years in a row, we’ve been a sponsor and active participant in the Diversity Walk, Rock & Run. It’s a 5K race/walk through downtown Cleveland, organized by and benefitting the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio. The Center, founded in 1927, is devoted to eliminating bias, bigotry and racism.

In 2010, about 160 employees, family and friends attended. In 2011, almost 400 took part and raised more than $1,400 to benefit the Center’s youth education and diversity leadership programs. We participated again in 2012—with more than 400 enthusiastic employee participants contributing close to $3,000.

“Our attendance has grown each year,” says Corporate Managing Attorney Steve Garfunkel, who has coordinated Progressive’s participation each year. “This walk is a great way for us to celebrate our diversity and enjoy a day together. And it also shows everyone in attendance that Progressive cares about diversity.”