Over 170 business leaders and decision-makers convened to discuss critical data points and actionable insights surrounding the key findings of the Vibrant Index 5.0, the region’s recent diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) assessment. As the data was unveiled during the live Report to the Region event, esteemed industry experts shared their perspectives on the findings and engaged in a robust discussion on the future of DEI in Pittsburgh.
Vibrant Index partners Vibrant Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development released the accompanying summary report. The summary report derived findings from the responses of the one hundred participating employers representing 185,000 members of the regional workforce (16 percent). This is the highest representation of the regional workforce in any iteration of the assessment.
Key findings from the 2024 Vibrant Index include a high correlation between organizations led by executives who have signed DEI pledges and their overall performance on the diagnostic. Participants with such leadership scored 15 points higher than those who did not. The majority of participants report using data surrounding DEI in decision-making.
Additionally, one hundred percent of the participants provided DEI-related training at least once last year to each employee throughout the enterprise.
Along with the key findings, fifteen top-performing organizations received the designation of Vibrant Champion, which celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and progress in their DEI efforts with at least 95 percent scores in each of the Index’s nine pillar areas. This year’s awardees include a diverse group of companies from various industries, each exemplifying best practices in creating inclusive environments.
2024 Vibrant Champions include: Aires, Ansys, BNY, Community College of Allegheny County, DICK’s Sporting Goods, Giant Eagle, Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, People’s Gas/Essential Utilities, PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., Pittsburgh Promise, Schell Games, United States Steel, UPMC, Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, and YWCA Greater Pittsburgh.
“Once again, our regional employers are showing their commitment to DE&I,” said Sabrina Saunders Mosby, President and CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh. “The positive findings revealed in the data support our regional employers’ dedicated work and commitment to pursuing workplace cultures where people feel welcomed, valued, and respected. Yet these participants go beyond that as they now look inward to reflect on their progress and build solutions for continuing their journey.”
“The individual and collective commitments of both the Conference and Vibrant Pittsburgh to equity and inclusivity are pivotal to our region’s brightest future and to making this a place where every individual and all our communities will thrive,” said Allegheny Conference CEO Stefani Pashman. “The findings of the Vibrant Index 5.0 give us cause to celebrate the progress that’s being made but they also remind us of the work we still need to do. That said, the commitment of so many leaders to a vibrant Pittsburgh region with opportunity for all gives me confidence that the vision we share is on its way to becoming a reality.”