Erin L. Thomas

In the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion, Erin L. Thomas is recognized for her pragmatic approach and unwavering dedication to impact. As the VP, head of diversity, inclusion and belonging at work marketplace Upwork, she embraces her role as a cultural steward and leads team member initiatives aimed at building inclusive practices and driving a culture of belonging. “In these roles, we’re looked to as a signal of cultural health,” she says.

Thomas, who holds a doctor of philosophy in social psychology, is known for her leadership style marked by a commitment to communication, accountability and data-driven DE&I efforts. She focuses on implementing impactful programs like GlowUP, a membership community for leaders of color.

Navigating the challenges of DE&I implementation, Thomas is practical, acknowledging the need to honor team members’ time and attention. She emphasizes the importance of seamlessly integrating DE&I into everyday workflows. “Getting sophisticated about integrating DE&I into how and where people work is key,” she says.

Getting sophisticated about integrating DE&I into how and where people work is key.

For Thomas, success lies in making DE&I enjoyable, especially in the face of external challenges. “One of the core themes on my team this year is to make DE&I fun,” she says, highlighting the importance of maintaining optimism and resilience.

With Thomas at the head, DE&I efforts at Upwork represent a collective commitment and movement to foster inclusivity and engagement into every aspect of organizational life.

Moreover, Thomas’ charter at Upwork encompasses key pillars such as realizing individual potential, providing equitable access to growth,  and balancing representation across departments and levels. Under her leadership, performance calibrations have evolved to facilitate more robust discussions, while tools like Textio Lift contribute to mitigating bias in performance reviews. Annual evaluations and third-party audits reaffirm Upwork’s dedication to pay equity, while partnerships with LeaderFactor aim to measure and facilitate a culture of psychological safety.

Thomas’ multifaceted approach underscores Upwork’s commitment to fostering an environment where every team member is valued and supported. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, Thomas continues to drive Upwork towards greater equity, inclusion and belonging for all.