Let's Talk About Diversity and Inclusion

A Q&A with Susan Stith

About Susan

Susan Stith
Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Corporate Giving
Express Scripts

As Vice President, Diversity, Inclusion and Corporate Giving, Susan is responsible for shaping and steering the company’s enterprise-wide diversity and inclusion strategy and guiding the organization’s philanthropic and community outreach strategy and initiatives. In this role, she is responsible for formulating creative and innovative programs, processes and procedures for recruiting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce while leading the organization’s Executive Diversity Advisory Board, Employee Resource Groups and the Express Scripts Foundation.

A six-year veteran of Express Scripts, Susan has been recognized for her work in diversity and inclusion by Diversity Woman, Inclusion and Savoy magazines, the Metro St. Louis YWCA, the St. Louis chapter of the NAACP and is a recipient of the St. Louis Business Journal’s Diversity Leader Award, Diversity Plus magazine’s Top 25 Women Impacting Diversity, Diversity Woman’s Top 50 Diversity Champions, the NCCJ Brotherhood Sisterhood Award, the Jennings School District, the Urban League’s Salute to Women in Leadership and Black Enterprise’s Top Executives in Corporate Diversity.

Actively involved in the community, Susan serves on the boards of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Lifelong Vision Foundation, FamilyForward (vice president – HR), HOME WORKS! and the Arts and Education Council (Board Secretary).

Married to Drexel for thirty-two years, Stith is the proud mother of two college students, Alexandria and Clark. She obtained a BS from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MA from the University of Phoenix.

Introduction

When it comes to making philanthropy a joyful and rewarding experience for all, what does it mean to embrace diversity and inclusion as core principles in our organizations and with our volunteers and donors? Are there universal truths to aspire to and pitfalls to avoid? And how can we apply these ideals in our own communities most effectively, respectfully, and inclusively? How can we weave our commitment to equity and social justice into the very fabric of our organizations and the communities we serve?

At the 15th Annual ADRP International Conference, attendees will have the opportunity to explore these questions openly and honestly with St. Louisans like Susan Stith who are leading the charge. Susan is a champion of diversity and inclusion whose work has earned Express Scripts a place on DiversityInc’s 2018 list of 50 most inclusive companies in the country.

What will Susan bring to our expert panel discussion at “Let's Talk About Diversity and Inclusion” (Session 3F on Wednesday, October 3) Get to know her in her own words:

How does Express Scripts define diversity and inclusion?

This is a common question, but the answer is very simple: Diversity is the mix of people, and inclusion is making the mix work.

As a company, we have more than 24,000 employees who are diverse in terms of age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, sexual orientation, education, disability status and geographic background, just to name a few. But equally important is the answer to this question: How inclusive is the environment in which we ask that mix of employees to work every day?

How do you ensure inclusion?

We do that by creating and maintaining an environment that appreciates and respects individual and organizational characteristics, values, beliefs, experiences, backgrounds and behaviors − an environment where diversity and inclusion are the foundation on which success and growth are built, in which everyone is fully engaged and therefore able to contribute to their fullest potential every day.

Why is this important?

Since our inception in 1986, Express Scripts has recognized that the key competitive differential for success is its people. And diversity among them has been essential because our clientele and the patients we serve are as diverse as America.

Diverse teams are more creative, more dynamic and much more innovative − all factors that lead to collaborative processes, technological advances and organizational and economic growth.

What is the biggest challenge to Express Scripts in achieving and maintaining a diverse workforce?

To be successful in this area, we have to view diversity and inclusion as a journey − one that requires solid fundamental approaches, internal resources and programs, and external partnerships to move forward.

What recent progress has Express Scripts made to ensure diversity and inclusion in its workforce?

We are making great progress. We’ve launched six Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that offer employees the opportunity to network, enhance personal development, contribute to a diverse and inclusive work environment, and give back to the community through partnerships with leading organizations. Each ERG has a unique focus, fostering cross-company connections among individuals whose paths might never cross during the course of a regular workday.

• Cultural Connection celebrates employees' differences and fosters a culturally aware workforce that helps the organization embrace change and innovate.
• Express PossAbilities increases awareness and educates about the issues and challenges facing both people with disabilities and caregivers.
• EXPRESSions supports, informs and advocates in the community to advance LGBTQ+ equality.
• UpNext offers resources and tools to empower employees who are ready to take the next step in their career.
• VaLOR (Veterans and Leaders Organizing Resources) advances the awareness and inclusion of veterans, and provides opportunities to assist, guide and support those who have served.
• WE LEAD (Women of Express Scripts Listen, Engage, Advocate and Develop) empowers, supports, recognizes and connects women and caregivers, helping them reach their full potential within the company and community.

This interview has been edited and condensed.