Washington D.C. (September 8, 2021) – Cultural Vistas is pleased to announce that IBM has been named the recipient of its 2021 Corporate Leadership Award for its valuable contributions to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive global workforce and community for all. This award is the highest honor that Cultural Vistas bestows upon its corporate partners.

IBM strives to create a culture of conscious inclusion and active allyship in which every colleague is an upstander—standing up for justice, fighting bias, and supporting every colleague. With a presence in over 170 locations worldwide, IBM’s intensified commitment to advocacy efforts aimed at driving systemic, sustainable improvement will positively affect opportunities for diverse communities.

“Cultural Vistas is pleased to recognize IBM with our distinguished Corporate Leadership Award,” said Jennifer Clinton, President & CEO of Cultural Vistas. “They are a model organization in the areas of global talent development, diversity, and inclusion. In addition to collaborating with IBM on their international intern/trainee programs, we are pleased to be part of their global #workingpositively program that invites employers to commit to being visible role models in their support for HIV-positive employees.”

Carla Grant Pickens, Vice President, Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, will accept the award on IBM’s behalf. Grant Pickens is dedicated to creating an inclusive culture and a workforce that reflects the world while responding to societal issues that impact IBM employees and the communities they live and work in.

“At IBM, we’re committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace for every employee,” said Grant Pickens. As we work together to address inequalities across social, economic, and demographic factors, we know that understanding the unique experience of others is key to equality. By listening to and learning from those living with HIV, we are building a workplace and society free of stigma where everyone can be visible and supported.”

IBM has also taken a global leadership role in a wide range of partnerships to drive equity and create fully diverse and inclusive organizations.  IBM is working with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation promoting #workingpositively, which aims to highlight American employers committed to ending stigma and bias surrounding HIV and AIDS.  The #workingpositively program first launched in Germany in June 2019, created and initiated by Deutsche Aidshilfe, IBM, and SAP. It has been expanded to several European countries, Latin America, and the newest Australia, New Zealand.  Since its beginnings in Germany, over 220 companies, public entities, and organizations in Germany, Austria, and the U.S. have joined, including Cultural Vistas. Learn more about taking the pledge: #workingpositively

Our society only moves toward progress when fueled by the cooperation of our diverse global community. The last two years’ events have made clear: real understanding requires justice; lasting connection is rooted in equality. IBM aims to be the gold standard in Good Tech, leading positive change in the world helping foster global dialogue and mutual understanding. The company is also a vocal advocate for embracing talent from anywhere, recognizing that a highly-skilled workforce drives innovation and creates jobs, enabling businesses to be more inclusive and better compete on a global stage.

IBM will be recognized along with several alumni award recipients at the Cultural Vistas Virtual Awards Benefit on October 27 from 12 p.m. E.T. Established in 2018, the Cultural Vistas Awards Benefit recognizes individuals and institutions for their influence and notable contributions toward the advancement of global skills, leadership development, and cross-cultural understanding. This signature event is a cultural celebration of the diversity of people, ideas, and skills shared throughout our global community and will feature a keynote address by Dr. Parag Khanna, author, founder, and managing partner of FutureMap, a data and scenario-based strategic advisory firm. Copies of Dr. Khanna’s forthcoming book: MOVE: The Forces Uprooting Us, will be sent in advance to sponsors and their guests.

Learn more about the Awards Benefit program, register to attend, or become a sponsor at  cvawardsbenefit2021.splashthat.com/

About Cultural Vistas
Cultural Vistas equips the next generation of global leaders with the skills needed to solve complex challenges through professional and intercultural experiences. Since 1963, our international exchange programs have nurtured over 150,000 alumni in more than 130 countries around the world. We envision a world where experiential learning opportunities foster a shared understanding and appreciation of diversity, equity, and cultural exchange. Learn more at culturalvistas.org.