EqualityMaine, in the Equality Community Center in Portland.
In addition to embracing just people from out of state, companies need to attract and retain a broader mix of diversity to survive and thrive.
The larger companies in the state, which have large human resources departments to build diversity training, have been on the forefront of DEI efforts in recent years, says Gia Drew, program director of Equality Maine.
“Major corporations have driven DEI. There’s pressure globally to be a good corporate citizen. People are making an effort and making steps in the last few years,” Drew says.
Still, work needs to be done. For example, nationally, 46% of LGBTQ+ employees are not open about their sexual orientation at work, Drew says.