The Nashville Bar Association (NBA) recently honored NES’ legal team with the Gold Diversity Recognition Award.
The ceremonious occasion took place at NBA’s annual Law Day celebration and luncheon at the Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Nashville. NES attorney Antonio Carroll attended and accepted the award on the utility’s behalf. The NBA Diversity Committee selected NES for the award, which recognizes legal related departments, businesses and organizations who have displayed outstanding leadership to champion diversity and inclusion through education, innovation, collaboration, development, and programs within their industry.
As the 11th largest public utility in the nation, NES has embarked on a journey to set the standard of inclusion in the industry. With nearly 1,000 employees from a range of cultures and professions − diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of NES’ operations and initiatives. On the employment level, NES champions diversity and provides opportunities at all levels, which is evident in its leadership and recruitment practices. Teresa Broyles-Aplin became NES’ first female President & CEO in 2022. Prior to Broyles-Aplin’s appointment, NES was led by its first African American President & CEO, Decosta Jenkins, for 18 years.
NES has also debuted an immersive training series called “I am Civil” to equip employees with leadership skills and proven methods to increase and sustain civility in the workplace. NES has also introduced a multifaceted initiative entitled “Creating a Culture of Civility and Belonging.” Lastly, NES incorporates an additional company-wide training series entitled “Leading with Civility to Increase Belonging.” This training builds on the skills acquired in “I am Civil” to empower employees to foster a higher sense of belonging within themselves and their colleagues. On the community impact level, NES supports diverse-owned organizations and entities that advocate for diversity.
NES has made intentional strides to further promote and celebrate DEI in multiple facets, from creating internal programs and initiatives, hiring diverse-owned businesses and contributing to diverse nonprofit entities in the local community.
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