At Paradigm, we understand that meaningful change comes from growth, transparency, persistence, and being open to new perspectives.

Our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) strategies intentionally create a diverse environment and inclusive culture that empowers all of us to build and sustain an excellent organization so that together, we can better restore the health of the diverse injured workers through the communities we serve.

DEIB at Paradigm

• Diversity: Who is at the table and what they bring. This represents the collection of similarities and differences based on characteristics we were born with, our experiences, and the choices we make.
• Equity: Addresses what barriers and inequalities individuals may have so that everyone has the same access to opportunities to grow, develop, and succeed.
• Inclusion: How people are engaged and the extent to which everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected, heard, and supported.
• Belonging: The experience of being accepted and treated as a full member of a community in which you can thrive.

The Importance of Inclusion
As we continue to develop and expand our DEIB initiatives, we are excited to implement changes and further advance existing ideas throughout the year. Our key objectives and strategies are focused on a culture of continuous learning, development, and improvement.

We continue to define, train and ingrain inclusive leadership behaviors, while building awareness and an innate desire for change in all facets of the organization. We strive to empower everyone to have a voice and find their communities within Paradigm, whether through shared interests, origin, background, culture, etc.

The creation of Colleague Resource Groups is one endeavor into our journey of inclusivity and belonging. These groups are employee-led, voluntary, and have been an extraordinary way to build a sense of connection and understanding for both employees who share a common interest or identity, and for those who may not, but would like to learn more about a different perspective or experience.

Championing and understanding the idea that we are all equal is paramount to our culture.  We will continue to push and challenge ourselves to ensure we are being inclusive and equitable to any and all marginalized communities while creating and promoting a safe space for employees to unite.

A Proud Perspective
Leading our DEIB Steering Committee is our Executive Sponsor, April Armour, Vice President Risk, Analytics, and Pricing. April joined Paradigm in 1996 in a temp-to-perm position and has since forged an incredible path both personally and professionally.

April brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a deeply ingrained sense of values to her position. For two decades, she has been a champion and leader for inclusivity and living authentically at Paradigm with a thoughtful approach and commitment to navigating change.

April shared the following, “I come from a long line of empowered women and men who have shown me through their actions that being the best you can be – at work, in your community, with our families – is the only way to be true to yourself. This includes accepting and encouraging those around you to be true to themselves. I have carried a William Shakespeare quote with me since high school, which rings true to the way I try to live my life: ‘This above all: to thine own self be true.’”

Outside of work, April and her wife have celebrated 30 years together and are heavily involved in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, participating in several gay pride parades, as well as leading the Dykes on Bikes Live Sober parade.

Continuing to challenge ourselves so we can continue changing lives
Constant change can be frightening, but when it comes from a place of improvement and betterment, we know it’s worth the effort. We pride ourselves on receiving and acting on open and honest feedback. We know these efforts will strengthen our employees and ultimately benefit the clients, individuals, and communities we serve. We will continue to ask questions, challenge ourselves, and seek new perspectives so we can better reflect our society and remain a great place to work.

Thank you to Paradigm’s DEIB Steering Committee
We would like to thank our DEIB Steering Committee volunteers for their dedication, partnership and advocacy.

DEIB Committee Leadership:
April Armour (Chair), Vice President Risk, Analytics, and Pricing
Amy Drout, Senior Manager Benefits
Erica Garcia, Senior Director Human Resources

DEIB Committee:
Matt Beckim, Director Special Programs Unit
Razel Cabero, Clinical Network Regulatory Specialist
Sally Dadich, Manager Catastrophic Case Management
Aja Dotson, Front Desk Coordinator
Caroline Ireland, HR Generalist
Jody Iverson, Director Account Management
Michelle Lawson, Document Administrator
KimThoa Nguyen, IT PMO Senior Director
Katavia Sloan, Manager Case Management
Brittany Knight, Senior Manager HR Programs & DEIB
Yolanda Moffett, Benefits and DEIB Specialist