Tech Data launches Embrace to provide a voice for employees on DEI

Internal group will provide an environment in which colleagues from racial, cultural and religious minorities can raise issues and express themselves openly 

Tech Data, a TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) company, has today launched Embrace, a business resource group (BRG) focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and dedicated to ensuring that people of all races, religions and cultures feel welcome and comfortable, and represented within the company.
 
The launch comes on the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which aims to foster a global culture of tolerance, equality and anti-discrimination and calls on everyone to stand up against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes. 
 
David Watts, managing director, UK and Ireland, Tech Data, said: “Tech Data is committed to maintaining a culture that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion and we are really looking forward to getting Embrace underway and seeing how it can make a positive difference, not only for those employees who belong to racial, cultural, or religious minorities, but also for everyone in the UK and Ireland organisation.”
 
Jay Panesar, chair of the Embrace BRG and business development manager for IoT at Tech Data, added: “Embrace is about making sure that everyone has the same opportunities, and no-one experiences discrimination due to their background, colour, ethnicity, or beliefs. It is about understanding, respecting and celebrating the differences between people, and educating everyone to be more aware of DEI. We want to open people’s eyes and give them the opportunity and courage to talk openly about inequality and bias and to stand up to and speak out against prejudice.”
 
All Tech Data employees are being encouraged to watch a short launch video today, in which the six-strong Tech Data Embrace panel will outline the aims of the group and how it will work. The first ‘drop-in’ discussion session will took place on March 22nd, during which anyone from minority groups or affected by issues of racism or prejudice was encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives. Embrace meetings will take place approximately every six to eight weeks. Information, notices and updates on its activity will be posted on the Tech Data intranet.
 
Embrace is the third Tech Data BRG to go live in the UK and Ireland. It follows the successful establishment of Elevate, which is dedicated to the empowerment of women, and SPECTRUM, which was launched in summer 2021 to provide support for LGBTQ+ co-workers. Tech Data’s BRGs provide positive forums for its colleagues to discuss common experiences and goals with individuals of like or similar interests.