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September 22, 2009
Alcoa’s Valuing Diversity Program recognizes the value of the differences that exist between people
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Fashion show and other events widen the debate about the theme within the Company
The commitment of companies to sustainability is a daily demand of society. Recognizing and legitimizing these anxieties has become a constant exercise for those companies that intend to maintain a positive dialogue with the community, by acting in a socially responsible manner. Alcoa’s Valuing Diversity Program, which was launched in Brazil in 2007, was planned and structured with this purpose in mind.
One of the objectives of this initiative is to attract, develop and retain the most capable people from all cultures and sectors of society, based on their skills, while respecting their differences of opinion, style, and idea. This will mean that Alcoa’s staff will be a more faithful reflection of the way society itself is made up.
“We’re different in the way we’re educated and trained, in our experiences and in our origins. It’s precisely this that generates an exchange of experiences and leads to continuous learning. This daily valuing of all differences is aligned with the plans and strategies that we outline for the Company”, explains Sílvia Dias, Human Resources Director for Alcoa Latina America and the Caribbean.
“I think Alcoa’s work in valuing diversity is one of the most important for Brazil. The Company has been innovating by encouraging its units to create the opportunity for effective dialogue with community organizations and with its network of direct and indirect relationships. With dialogue and cooperation it has been possible to achieve more effective results, for example, with regard to increasing the number of women and handicapped people on the staff, among others”, says Reinaldo Bulgarelli, a teacher, consultant and author of the book Diversos Somos Todos [We’re all different]. “It’s already possible to also see that the experiences that this provides are strengthening the development of leaders and teams that are open to innovation and to quality interactions with all stakeholders. This is fundamental for the company in a market that’s undergoing a rapid and deep change process”, he adds.
Fashion show and other events widen the debate about valuing diversity in Alcoa
To widen the debate in those places where Alcoa operates events have been held to build awareness of the theme. In August the Poços de Caldas unit held an “Inclusion Fashion Day”, an inclusive fashion show with clothes designed to meet the needs of handicapped people. Fashion designers Valéria Santos Porfirio, Stela Dias Fernandes, Julia Harumi Sato, Raissa Silva Paz, Bárbara Tornai Tella, Elenilda Duque and Ana Christina Gabos Colombo contributed to the event. There was also a partnership with the Kica de Castro model agency. Seven physically handicapped and visually impaired models took part in the parade. The inclusion fashion proposal initiative came from the State Department for the Rights of Handicapped People of São Paulo.
In addition to this initiative, in September the Unit is promoting its 1st Diversity Month, an event that intends to show that diversity makes a difference. Some 20 activities have been planned on the theme in the Unit, with alternating activities aimed at the theme of the inclusion of handicapped people and women, such as talks, workshops, exhibitions, round tables, informal talks and artistic presentations by institutions and other guests. The 1st Diversity Month is an initiative of the Inclusion Project, “Being Different is SOMETHING ELSE!” and of AWN (Alcoa Women’s Network).
In August 2008 Alcoa’s unit in Itapissuma (PE) promoted its 1st Diversity Week, which included the participation of local leaders, employees, other companies and community organizations. “It was a very interesting experience. We had the opportunity of getting together with strategic partners, such as selection and recruitment consultancy companies, Senai, universities, suppliers and other participants”, says Michael Humpert, director of flat-rolled products for Alcoa. “This theme has been discussed for a very long time in Alcoa, but we still have a lot to do”, he adds.
In September last year it was the turn of the Alcoa unit in Santo André (SP) to promote the National Handicapped Person Day, with 85% of its employees becoming involved. On the program were debates and the participation of a specialist in the theme.
Institutionally, Alcoa and a further 29 major companies extended the debate during the constitution of the Brazilian Corporate Diversity Forum. At the time best practices and which initiatives should be emphasized in organizations were discussed.
Relationship networks
In addition to its Diversity Program Alcoa offers global relationship networks for the inclusion of certain social groups, as well as for discussing themes related to the interests of these communities. These are:
Alcoa Women’s Network - Alcoa encourages the promotion of diversity and social inclusion and will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. In the case of women the Company promotes the AWN (Alcoa Women’s Network), the objective of which is to attract talent and increase the participation of women in leadership positions. This voluntary program was created in the United States in 2001 by a group of female executives. In Brazil, the AWN was set up in 2004.
AAHN - Alcoa African Heritage Network – A global relationship network that aims to increase the participation of blacks in Alcoa’s business units.
EAGLE - Employees at Alcoa Gay and Lesbian Equality – A global relationship network that offers educational and social support for homosexual employees.
In addition to these global initiatives there are a further three in Brazil that benefit handicapped people:
- Inclusion Project “Being Different is SOMETHING ELSE!”
The project, “Being Different is SOMETHING ELSE!” is an initiative of the GBS Department (Shared Service Center for Alcoa Latin America). Its objective is to include handicapped employees, by addressing the following aspects: accessibility, individual psychological monitoring and support for leaders and the team. The initiative, which has now been expanded to the Poços plant, is coordinated by Raphaela Rodrigues.
- Integrate Project – This brings together actions carried out in the unit in Itapissuma (PE) for helping with the process of inclusion and skills-building for handicapped people and providing them with teaching and psychological support.
“With Alcoa’s Diversity Program we intend to change and enlarge the picture of Brazilian society in those places where the Company operates”, concludes Sílvia Dias.
Credit: Bruno Alves
 In the Company’s unit in Poços de Caldas (MG), models take part in the Inclusion Fashion Day, an inclusive fashion show with items made to meet the needs of handicapped people.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.
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