As Arvest Bank continues to emphasize our commitment to creating an environment where all people – our customers, associates and the public at large – are respected and feel valued, we are celebrating the one-year anniversary of our Associate Impact Groups. These groups are designed to provide our associates an avenue to collectively share perspectives, ideas and solutions that enhance the associate and customer experience.
“There is no better way for us to learn about our individual experiences and opportunities to be more inclusive than from associates who represent those who are underrepresented in our company and the places we call home,” Arvest Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer LaTricia Hill-Chandler said.
Launched in September 2020, we have eight Associate Impact Groups, which are voluntary, associate-led and aligned with underrepresented demographics of associates and customers. The groups, listed below, were named by Arvest associates.
- ArBilities – Individuals with disabilities
- ArPride – LGBTQIA+
- ArVets – Veterans
- BAAM! – Black and African Americans
- Dreamcatchers – Native Americans
- HOLArvest – Hispanic and Latinx
- InspirAsians – Asian and Pacific Islander
- WOW – Women of Work
All associates are welcome to join any group or groups and be part of their business-impact initiatives. Additionally, each group has spent time increasing cultural awareness within Arvest, including via virtual events such as “The Stigma of Mental Health in the Black Community,” “How to Talk to Your Kids About Disability” and “Native Americans’ Impact on International Business.”
Our Associate Impact Groups also strategically advocate for changes that support inclusive and equitable experiences for our customers. Efforts so far have included implementing an option to select a bilingual associate through Arvest’s customer appointment scheduling tool, providing holiday care packages for deployed military members, financial literacy programs tailored for women and new debit cards that celebrate the uniqueness of everyone.
A parallel benefit of the Associate Impact Groups is the reinforcement of Arvest’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Our business case for diversity, equity and inclusion is for our associates across the Arvest four-state footprint to mirror our customers and the communities where we serve and live,” Hill-Chandler said.