ATLANTA, Feb. 6, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company today publishes its latest Moving
to Equity report, showing notable achievements and impactful
initiatives regarding the company's strategy to foster a more
inclusive and equitable culture. Building upon years of dedicated
work, Southern Company's commitment to diversity, equity and
inclusion continues to drive meaningful actions and create positive
change.
Southern Company launched its Moving to Equity framework in
2020, focusing on key areas of talent, workplace environment,
community investment and social justice, civic engagement and
supplier inclusion. The 2023 report highlights the company's
ongoing commitment to these pillars, detailing progress,
achievements and the roadmap for the future.
Key takeaways from the 2023 report include:
- Increased representation for people of color in the workforce
and for people of color and women in management roles.
- Women and people of color make up a majority of participants in
the company's leadership development programs.
- Spending with diverse suppliers reached 29.1% of total
spending, up from 28.5% in 2022 and closing in on the company's
goal of 30% by 2025.
- In 2023, $2.5 billion of contract
expenditures went to diverse suppliers, welcoming 57 new
partners.
- Committed $201 million since 2020
to community initiatives, prioritizing education equity, criminal
justice equity, economic empowerment and energy empowerment.
- Launched a refresh of Southern Company's core values,
emphasizing how an equitable culture benefits employees, customers,
communities and shareholders.
"Our commitment to equity and intentional inclusion is stronger
than ever. I'm proud of the progress we've made, and this report
reflects our ongoing dedication to creating workplaces and
communities where people feel welcomed and valued," said Southern
Company chairman, president and CEO Chris
Womack. "Our goal remains creating sustainable change and
equitable opportunities for all. While we've made great strides,
our journey continues."
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is
a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the
Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing
clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service
is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in
three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a
competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy
distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics
network and telecommunications services. Through an
industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and
sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and
communities' needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse
gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the
needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are
the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into
economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our
corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company
national awards and recognition from numerous organizations,
including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black
Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To
learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
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SOURCE Southern Company