Bill Calhoun

Bill Calhoun (he/him), managing director and head of diversity at TekWissen affiliate iCode Innovation, believes that a company’s DE&I efforts will thrive when its gatekeepers — hiring managers, MSP providers and others with direct impact on hiring — are informed and educated to make better direct hiring decisions. As such, he and his team work to provide that education.

Being perceived as a “typical white guy” in the construction and architecture industries prior to joining the staffing industry seven years ago gave Calhoun an insight into the misogyny, bias and bigotry others face. “I heard a lot of things that helped me understand the challenges. That was one of the things that made me passionate about DE&I.”

Because money spent doesn’t necessarily translate into benefits for marginalized communities, Calhoun and his team are shifting the conversation from diversity spend to diversity of talent. Additionally, they are working to help companies “create environments where all employees feel safe and supported and where they feel there is genuine opportunity,” he says.

There is a need to tackle how companies create environments where all employees feel safe and supported and where they feel there is genuine opportunity.

A strong believer in transparency — he is openly gay — Calhoun pushed for the company’s stance on DE&I to be moved to the top of the website’s home page. “If diversity is really something that is a focus and a passion for your company, how many clicks should it take for anyone to find that message? We want our visitors to know what kind of a company they’re engaging with.”

He also established the Community Engagement Committee. Every employee is welcome to suggest local charities; then a rotating group of employees chooses recipients each quarter. Company-funded donations come in the form of monetary gifts, volunteer hours or hard goods. “We’ve helped Meals on Wheels, shelters for victims of domestic violence, animal shelters and many others,” Calhoun says proudly. “It’s what our employees are passionate about, and I believe that empowers them. They realize they work for a company that cares about them and supports what they value.”

Externally, Calhoun volunteers in the Detroit community to bridge opportunity gaps and is starting a new program for marginalized youth that pairs them with leaders of area businesses who will serve as mentors to help transition the young people into professional opportunities.