Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Diversity
At CMS, diversity is not just a buzzword, but an integral part of our organizational framework. Since our founding, the company culture has been built on a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. We believe in cultivating an environment where every individual’s unique perspective is not only valued, but also encouraged to flourish. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is among our core values and is woven into the fabric of our day-to-day operations. From our hiring practices to how we shape our strategies, our organization embodies DEI at its core.
What DEI Means To Us
“CMS’s ongoing journey to foster a culture of inclusion articulates our commitment to increasing representation companywide, while creating access to opportunities at every level of our organization. Together, we will make a meaningful impact!”
L-R: Our three owners, Mercedes Enrique (President and CFO), Ernest Enrique (Chairman and CEO) and Khushwant Mander (Executive VP) represent a sampling of the rich racial and ethnic heritage that make up our team.
Our Commitment
We are proud to share that nearly 50% of our team members come from diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and disability – a living testament to our core values in action.
Our Connection
We support a welcoming environment that accommodates individuals from all walks of life. Our success is significantly influenced by our team’s diverse perspectives and experiences, which not only enrich our work, but also contribute to a more innovative and dynamic workplace.
Together, we build a more equitable and supportive environment for everyone. We recognize the unique challenges minority-owned and women-owned businesses face and are dedicated to mentoring and partnering with them. Our goal is to aid in elevating their presence in the Defense Industrial Base. In fact, the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council has recognized CMS for consistently exceeding Government goals through our work with diverse suppliers.
Firmly believing in the transformative power of inclusivity, we are persistent in our efforts to empower and embrace individuals from all backgrounds. We strive to provide everyone with the tools and resources to thrive by making an impact with training programs, resource groups, and outreach initiatives. Our participation in nationwide campaigns, such as Construction Inclusion Week and Women in Construction Week, holds immense significance for us, as these initiatives deeply resonate with us. We believe women should be celebrated for their vital contributions to our industry and that promoting a more inclusive and equitable workplace, one with no glass ceiling, is essential. Our participation in these campaigns includes the CEO sharing messages featuring content and resources relevant to each unique topic, ensuring that these important discussions are front and center in our organization.
Our Communities
Our efforts do not stop there; we make a concerted effort to give back to our local communities through annual school supply, holiday, and canned food drives, as well as partnering with organizations like Rebuilding Together – St. Louis and the SAME Foundation.
Our belief in the transformative power of inclusivity enriches not only our external efforts, but also our internal initiatives. For example, we hold cultural-themed lunches, where CMS team members come together to celebrate each other’s diverse backgrounds. Team members have the opportunity to bring a piece of their story to life by sharing food from their heritage and showcasing unique dishes that represent their journey. Initiatives like these allow us to learn from one another and appreciate the experiences each person brings to the team.
As CMS continues to grow, so does our cultural competency and appreciation for one another. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at every opportunity and continuing to learn, so that we create and maintain a culture where every CMS team member can thrive. Our commitment reassures us that we are on the right path to a more inclusive future. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not just ideals; they are truly our way of life.
