About WISHRM

In 2008 the Wisconsin SHRM State Council established an annual award to recognize companies or organizations
in our state who are excel in their efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in their workplaces and the communities that they serve. A representative committee of human resources professionals from across the state review nominations seeking to recognize a company or organization that demonstrates organizational achievements in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, one that has been role model in their local community advancing diversity and inclusion efforts.

This year the Committee reviewed fourteen total nominations, the most received in the award’s 15-year history (the process was suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic). Though selecting a 2024 winner was incredibly challenging as each of the nominated companies or organizations evidenced how they are making a positive impact in the DEIB space, the Committee was pleased to name three finalists on the basis of their submitted materials: (1) Exact Sciences (Madison); Quartz Health Solutions (Fitchburg), and Promega (Madison). And, Promega was announced as the winner of 2024 WISHRM DEIB award at the WISHRM Annual Conference in Wisconsin Dells in October. Darbie Miller, Director, Organization Development Human Resources graciously accepted the award, thanking her colleague, Clara Tavarez, Diversity and Inclusion Partner, who authored Promega’s nomination, as well as their leadership team, their employees and the community that Promega serves.

Founded in 1978, as Biotec, and later named Promega, the company’s initial vision was to create a place where biotechnology would lead to the cure and prevention of disease; a dynamic environment for the individual to be individual, and a path of discovery that would change the way researchers did their work. Even then, there was a nod to the principles that today are the cornerstone of an inclusive workplace.  Promega is global manufacturer of reagents, assays and benchtop instruments for the life science industry, employing more than 2000 people worldwide with over 1400 employees reporting to its Madison location. The Promega employee base contributes a wide range of skills and disciplines in research and development, logistics, manufacturing, engineering, information technology, sales, marketing, customer service, technical service, training, human resources, and communications. Promega was also named a BioSpace Best Places to Work Winner in 2024.

Supported by executive leadership, Promega exemplifies an integrated approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion combining internal and external practices that began in 1985 and has continued each year, with regular reflection, DEI accountability, and continuous improvement. By prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional differences within its workforce, Promega has established a robust framework that promotes inclusivity and celebrates diverse characteristics and lived experiences. Their dedication to diversity is evident in internal practices aimed at fostering an inclusive workplace culture, as well as its external initiatives that build strong community relationships and support sustainability, education, science, and the arts. Examples of their DEIB practices include:

• Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in leadership and corporate culture, including as a competency in position descriptions, performance management, and career grids;
• Prioritizing Emotional and Social Intelligence (ESI) as a cornerstone of Promega’s culture, offering a wider variety of ESI programs that are accessible to all employees regardless of role or tenure, to support employees' emotional and social intelligence growth;
• Offering comprehensive well-being and inclusion support tools and resources to ensure that employees feel included and supported, equipping them with the skills needed to manage life's challenges; and
• Making community engagement a priority; since 1995, BTCI, a non-profit primarily supported by Promega, has been inspiring diverse youth to pursue scientific careers. Additionally, from 2021 to date, Promega has matched donations to over 145 organizations supporting DEI initiatives, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Autism Society of America, and the Center for Black Excellence and Culture, amplifying the impact of employee contributions.

These are just a few of the many intentional actions that Promega has taken to advance DEIB in their organization and the community they serve; the Wisconsin State Council SHRM is proud to recognize Promega for its work in displaying the ideals of which the award represents.

The Council thanks all award nominees, including finalists Exact Sciences and Quartz Health Solutions, for their hard work and DEIB achievements. More information will be shared on the finalists in the coming weeks.