As Paradigm continues to foster a workplace that better reflects our society, we do so with the recognition that this is a long-term endeavor without a set endpoint. Meaningful change comes from growth, transparency, persistence, and being open to new perspectives. Our efforts to build a sustainable and effective program for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are rooted in these ideas.

With the help of a carefully selected DEI steering committee, Paradigm has identified four key pillars that we believe represent important areas of focus:

1. 1. Define, train, and embed inclusive behaviors that reflect our core company values
   2. Continue to build DEI-oriented functions in recruiting and human resources
   3. Promote DEI awareness through ongoing educational programs and internal communications
   4. Build a community and pipeline for all communities, including women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and LGBTQ+ employees.

We would like to highlight the recent work this dedicated group has done to advance these objectives—and, in particular, recognize the efforts of our executive sponsor, Rashmi Nijagal.

A guiding force for change and growth
Since being named executive sponsor for Paradigm’s DEI initiative, Rashmi has worked to change and grow Paradigm’s culture in a positive way, to create more open and inclusive spaces. Rashmi approaches this task with humility and commitment, while also understanding that accomplishing meaningful change can be emotionally difficult. The senior leadership team viewed Rashmi, who serves as Paradigm’s General Counsel, as the natural choice for this role due to her unique perspective, honesty, and dynamism.

From the start, Rashmi has been instrumental in growing and supporting this program to build a more diverse and inclusive environment for all Paradigm team members. Along with leading the selection process for the DEI steering committee, she has focused on creating an environment where each member feels safe expressing their individual perspective. As an Indian-American woman, Rashmi has shared how her own experiences have helped her understand the importance of being able to bring your “whole self” to work.

Together, Rashmi and the DEI steering committee have already achieved notable progress toward making Paradigm a more open and inclusive place to work. This includes planning and implementing Paradigm’s first implicit bias workshop and partnering with Human Resources to develop inclusive leadership training. Rashmi and the steering committee have also developed enthusiastic and participatory campaigns for cultural recognition events, including Black History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Building a stronger company together to continue changing lives
We firmly believe taking a leadership role in diversity and inclusion in workers’ compensation supports Paradigm’s mission to improve more lives for injured workers and our employees. Paradigm’s DEI initiative transcends training and education to engender a sense of belonging, which opens up the opportunity for all of us to be our very best so that we can improve the lives of injured workers and their families. As we build a culture that better reflects our society today, Paradigm is better equipped to care for the injuries of increasingly diverse workers, while helping to support their families and communities.

Thank you to Paradigm’s DEI Steering Committee
We would like to thank our DEI Steering Committee volunteers. These individuals are passionate about moving DEI programs and initiatives forward at Paradigm and within our communities.

Rashmi Nijagal (Chair), General Counsel
Karen Jones, Chief Human Resources Officer
Chris Pricco, Chief Networks and Operations Officer
Kevin Turner, Chief Clinical Solutions Officer
Marcellus Davis, Vice President, Implant Operations
Seth Frohman, Vice President, Clinical Solutions Delivery
Ronda Clement, Vice President, Marketing
Fid Guerrero, Regional Sales Executive, Case Management Solutions
Andrea DeRudder, Human Resource Generalist
Ryan Takemoto, Business Project Manager, Clinical Solutions