We have had many deliberations on diversity and inclusiveness at LISC. Those deliberations led to the formation of a Diversity and Inclusion Committee that was established as a means to actively pursue the important work necessary to address the many issues in this area. The committee is staffed by a Diversity and Inclusion Director. Its membership includes representatives from our field and headquarters operations.

The issues we've been considering are, to some extent, the same issues that all Americans need to confront on a regular basis. No organization is immune from the tensions of race, class, and gender that strain our whole society. And organizations that try to ignore or dismiss those tensions often find that they have only brought more trouble on themselves, not less. But at LISC, where our mission includes combating the destructive effects of racial and economic polarization, careful attention to questions of racial, ethnic, and other group relations may be even more important than it is elsewhere. Beyond being a good management principle, it’s essential to who we are and what we hope to achieve.

Whatever our challenges, I hope every employee shares my belief that we have much to be proud of at LISC, in the work we do to promote equity and inclusiveness in America's communities, and in the example we set as a diverse, creative, and gifted team of deeply committed people. We can build on those strengths, and push ourselves further; by constantly examining and adjusting the way we treat one another, the formal and informal procedures by which we work, and the honesty with which we confront our shortcomings

Michael Rubinger
President & CEO