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Diversity and Inclusion

MISO’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) journey began when the company was formed in 2001. We have seen steady progress over the last twenty years and exponential growth over the last five years, outpacing many peers in our industry.

The three main focuses of our Diversity and Inclusion plan are workforce, workplace and community. The three of these initiatives together build a strong foundation for our culture and are essential to the attraction and retention of talent, while creating a destination company - a place people choose to come and choose to stay.  

As noted below, MISO employees are more diverse than the energy industry as a whole. This is not because there are quotas to be met or an elaborate algorithm, but because the opportunities provided appeal to and attract a more diverse talent pool. 

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Employee Resource Groups

MISO has nine employee led and organized resource groups. Our resource groups support both professional and personal development by improving our understanding of our similarities and differences. 

Mission

Develop MISO's next generation of employees by connecting, growing and embracing modern professionals.

Goals

  • Build a community to help acclimate modern professionals to MISO and act as a continuous resource during their employment
  • Increase university campus presence to recruit modern professionals from a diverse set of majors, backgrounds and locations
  • Assist MISO in improving brand awareness across the footprint that will generate more interest amongst modern professionals
  • Assist with expanding training programs to enhance the development of modern professionals in the organization

 

Mission:

Provide awareness of resources along with support to employees who have caregiving obligations and responsibilities.

Goals:

For many of our employees who take on caregiver responsibilities, it can often prove challenging to manage both personal and professional obligations. How can we help balance the work-life enrichment of employees who are caregivers? Development of a diverse and inclusive support group that provides awareness of resources and a sense of community.

 

Mission 

To bring MISO employees together to serve the communities where we work through leadership and participation by volunteering.

Goals

  • Impact communities that MISO serves
  • Encourage employees to use their monthly four (4) hours of allotted volunteer time
  • Build teamwork and time-management skills, foster stronger relationships with colleagues, and support professional networking

 

Mission

Create a more culturally aware organization by providing insight, advice and recommendations on African-American workplace, workforce and community subjects.

Goals

  • Develop strategic recruitment partnerships with Historically Black Colleges Universities (HBCU’s) to support MISO’s efforts of creating/maintaining a diverse workforce
  • Serve as a resource to strengthen the D&I Council’s goal of creating a more culturally aware workplace by focusing on African-American employees
  • Leverage existing relationships to enhance our community partnerships

 

Mission

Appreciate our international and local cultural experiences, foster better relationships, and advance our workplace.

Goals

  • Learn about different cultures
  • Connect with colleagues on similar interests
  • Engage to enhance our workplace

 

 

Mission

Build a collaborative community of current and future subject matter experts across MISO; grow capabilities and skills to tackle the ever-growing challenge of process improvement; develop the competency of turning information into meaning; encourage responsible innovation; solve problems efficiently to make our lives easier!

Goals

  • Breakdown silos and increase collaboration, identifying common issues with peers
  • Accelerate MISO’s data and system training and enable responsible innovation
  • Expand capabilities by increasing industry and technology awareness, skills, and efficiency

Mission

Support the vibrant community of LGBTQ+ employees at MISO and provide the resources needed for growth and development to create and foster a community of inclusivity, acceptance, and mutual respect.

Goals

Create a safe space for LGBTQ+ employees while encouraging diversity and acceptance across the organization.

Mission

Provide support resources to veterans as they transition throughout their careers and prioritize career and talent development opportunities. 

Goals

  • Make MISO an employer of choice for veterans 
  • Advise veterans and HR on issues related to transition from military to civilian careers
  • Serve as an information and support center for civilians, military personnel, and veterans at MISO and in our communities

Mission

Enable a sustainable talent infrastructure and to ensure professional development of women through mentoring, growing and retaining women at MISO and to address issues of concern to women at MISO by sharing ideas and experiences.

Goals

  • Grow: Expand our knowledge, skills, and abilities, sponsor professional development speakers and events and share professional and personal growth resources

  • Connect: Build trusted relationships, work with other resource groups to build shared experiences and sponsor internal and external networking opportunities

  • Support: Serve and encourage each other, support and participate in MISO’s formal mentorship program and provide a forum for employees to discuss similar life experiences