Volkswagen Group of America Honored by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as a Top LGBT-Inclusive Business

Apr 12, 2016 3:00 PM ET
VWGoA Honored by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as a Top LGBT-Inclusive Business : L to R: Lisa Brown, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, VWGoA; Chad Griffin, President, Human Rights Campaign; Lauren Goebel, Sales Operations Manager, VWoA

HERNDON, Va., April 12, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA), is pleased to announce that it has been honored by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation as one of 407 major businesses that earned 100 percent on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) and the distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” This accolade recognizes companies that satisfy all of the CEI’s criteria on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

“Volkswagen Group is privileged to employ such a diverse and dynamic workforce,” said Machelle Williams, General Manager, Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility, VWGoA. “The Human Rights Campaign honor speaks to our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where innovative thinking and better results are driven by the individuality of our employees.”

“It is an honor for Volkswagen Group to earn the designation of ‘Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality’ for nine of the last 10 years,” said Lisa Brown, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, VWGoA. “As a company, the Volkswagen Group continues to strive to ensure an inclusive workplace, where all employees are valued for not only their contributions, but their uniqueness.”

The 2016 CEI rated 1,027 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices, including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community.

The 14th annual awards reception to honor top-ranking businesses was held at the Time Warner Center in New York City on March 29.  

For more information on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.