We have seen the power of bringing diversity – whether it be race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, disability (visible and invisible), nationality, religion, generation, sexual orientation or experience — and the dynamic and innovative environment that results.
Our people thrive personally and professionally because all perspectives are valued and heard. In turn, our inclusive culture enables us to craft creative solutions for ourselves and the clients we serve.
Diverse perspectives aligned under a unified vision translates to our people contributing their best in the office, with our clients and within our communities. Simply put, at Grant Thornton, inclusion is a way of life. It permeates our culture, is embedded in our values and behaviors, attracts diverse talent and is a key enabler as we become the firm of the future.
In keeping with our culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, Grant Thornton’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team develops strategies, programs and tools to unlock the power of difference. See how we’re transforming our firm by reading our
2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report.
Our business resource groups work to fulfill our mission
Each of our business resource groups (BRGs) is a team of employees from various service lines, career levels and job functions. BRGs are employee-driven and supported by the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team to cultivate an inclusive culture, which ultimately benefits our clients and drives our business. They operate at both the national and the local levels.
Joining a BRG is an engaging way to network with colleagues, develop leadership skills and contribute to the firm’s strategic drivers. All employees are invited to join a BRG as an executive sponsor, or a local leader or member — regardless of their personal backgrounds.
African Americans at Grant Thornton & Allies promotes the recruitment, development, advancement and retention of African-American professionals through collaboration with allies and firm leadership.
Diverse Abilities at Grant Thornton & Allies drives greater awareness of the abilities and potential contributions of people with disabilities within our firm, and with our clients and strategic partners.
Equality GT (LGBTQ+ & Allies) creates an inclusive environment that attracts and retains lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees, and inspires and empowers them to bring their whole selves to work.
Future Leaders & Allies provides a collaborative space for individuals from all generations to be developed into the next generation of inclusive leaders.
Latinxs/Hispanics at Grant Thornton & Allies drive firm business by attracting, developing and leveraging the contributions of Latinx/Hispanic practitioners.
Pan-Asians at Grant Thornton & Allies empowers Pan-Asian professionals to join with colleagues to build stronger teams across the firm.
Veterans at Grant Thornton & Allies drives firm success by attracting, developing and leveraging the leadership experience and skills of veterans.
Women at Grant Thornton & Allies enhances the recruitment, retention and advancement of women into leadership positions.
Working Parents & Allies focuses on aligning parenting values to workplace expectations including best practices for successful work life integration.
We invest in our people’s development
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Team and firm leaders sponsor employee attendance at nine annual professional development conferences. This investment enables skill-building, networking and technical growth for our people, enabling them to grow their whole selves and better deliver on our promise of distinct client service.
National conferences
- Ascend National Convention
- Association of Latino Professionals For America National Convention
- National Association of Black Accountants Annual Convention
- US Business Leadership Network Annual National Conference
Internal Grant Thornton conferences
- Inclusive Leadership
- Women’s Leadership
- LGBTQ+ Leadership
- Veterans Leadership
- Diverse Abilities Leadership
- Diversity & Inclusion Coaching
We are proud to be recognized for our efforts
A sampling of recent awards and recognition
We are proud signatories of the CEO Action of Diversity & Inclusion Pledge and the Pledge to Prioritize Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in the Workplace.
Contact us
Rashada Whitehead
Head of Culture and Inclusion
Rashada Whitehead is the head of culture and inclusion, leading the teams responsible for developing and implementing Grant Thornton’s firm-wide culture transformation and diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. This includes embedding the firm’s CLEARR values and DE&I tenets into our recruiting, training and leadership development programs, as well as management of people engagement and DE&I initiatives across the firm. Rashada brings to Grant Thornton her comprehensive experience in culture transformation, reputation and change management, and strategic communications. She is an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University and teaches Cultural Competence for the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing and Liberal Professional Studies.
Jonathan Philipp
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager Jonathan Philipp is responsible for the execution of the diversity, equity & inclusion strategy. This includes management of the business resource groups, training development, leadership engagement, as well as incorporating diversity, equity & inclusion into our firm policies, recruiting, communications and culture programs. Previously, Philipp managed the business resource groups at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s office of Diversity & Inclusion, wrote the bank’s annual diversity report to Congress, developed and led diversity and inclusion; and contributed to the creation of the long-term diversity strategy.
Karina Sanchez
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Senior Associate
Karina Sanchez, diversity, equity & inclusion senior associate, is responsible for managing the business resource groups and helping drive diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives across the firm. Previously, Sanchez led the business resource groups, drove D&I culture and communication initiatives at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Outside of Grant Thornton, she volunteers her time to support Latinx professionals via Prospanica Chicago and the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE).
