Our Commitment to DIB
Just like the distinct spots on a cheetah, every teammate at Brown & Brown is unique, and we are passionate about embracing and celebrating their diversity and unique talents. We strongly believe that a culture fostering inclusion and belonging builds a team that thrives on diversity of talent, which helps deliver innovative solutions for our customers. Our team is connected through shared core values and The Power of BE, which is part of our cultural DNA. Our goal is to further cultivate an inclusive place.
Vision & Purpose
Brown & Brown is committed to fostering an inclusive environment comprised of people from all backgrounds, with a variety of experiences and perspectives. We are a meritocracy, a culture where teammates can be their true, authentic selves and be rewarded for their unique contributions and talents.
Building a Culture of Belonging
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) Task Force Formed
The Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Task Force was launched to foster an inclusive environment that enables all teammates to bring their authentic selves to work and to reach their potential in our meritocracy. The Task Force includes senior HR leaders, business leaders, and a full-time DIB Leader.
DIB Survey Launched
Our company fielded an in-depth DIB-focused survey to all 11,000+ teammates.
Belonging Sessions launched
The DIB Task Force hosts a series of 90-minute sessions with teammates across the company; these conversations are a safe space for teammates to discuss and unpack what belonging means to them and what it looks like.
Heritage & Commemorative Months Begin
We organized heritage celebrations for federally recognized National Observances and Commemorative Months by bringing together groups of teammate volunteers.
DIB Leader Joins the Organization
Our DIB Leader collaborates with the DIB Task Force to develop and execute our organizational DIB strategy throughout all aspects of the culture, teammate life cycle, and business practices.
Training Program Launched
We developed a training strategy focused on unconscious bias and cultural sensitivity.
DIB Motto Contest
Seeking creative input from our teammates, we held a contest requesting mottos to represent our DIB strategy and philosophy. We received 150 submissions; 1,000+ teammates voted and“ The Power to Be Yourself” earned the most votes.
Mental Health Allies Founded
Our Mental Health Allies are group of teammate volunteers that are ready to serve as points of contact for our mental health resources as well as a support system for our teammates. Our Allies completed Mental Health First Aid training and will come together as the founding members of Brown & Brown’s first teammate resource group.
Culture Day Floating Holiday
Brown & Brown’s Culture Day Floating Holiday offers teammates the flexibility to observe any day during the year to recognize their culture or heritage based on their individual preferences.
Teammate Resource Groups Formed
Teammate Resource Groups (TRGs) are teammate-led voluntary groups that connect teammates who share or support a common identity. Brown & Brown’s first TRGs are: Black & African American TRG, LGBTQ+ TRG, Mental Health TRG, and Women’s TRG. These networks are open to all teammates.
The Power to Be Yourself
Belonging Sessions
Culture Day
Teammate Resource Groups (TRGs)
Heritage & Commemorative Months
More About Drew
Drew Smith II
Director, IT Audit
Brown & Brown
I get a sense of belonging by being allowed to be my authentic self. I’m grateful that the teammates I have worked with at Brown & Brown have accepted me as I am, and I have never felt pressured to act any differently from my true self. To me, teamwork is key to having a successful career. Those who consistently work in a team environment should foster an ability to be an active listener and understand the communication methods their teammates respond to best."I'm grateful that the teammates I have worked with at Brown & Brown have accepted me as I am"
More About Daren
Daren Eiri
Director, Data Science
Arrowhead Programs
I feel a sense of belonging when there are opportunities to have shared experiences and collaboration. I have been fortunate to have highly collaborative teammates outside of my direct team, with whom I can work with to find and develop solutions to complex problems. Having teammates who actually want to help you is the absolute best!"I love being able to promote the TRGs at Brown & Brown to other teammates looking to have a sense of community at work."
More About Ash
Ash Thebado
Insurance Operations
Brown & Brown of Massachusetts
I have been able to participate in many different initiatives that have created an incredible community of teammates determined to support one another. I feel comfortable being myself in and outside of work. Belongingness to me means never leaving myself at the door. It means that I can have a sense of community in a space that fosters openness, acceptance and opportunity to celebrate our differences. Brown & Brown’s LGBTQ+ TRG is near and dear to my heart. Since joining the leadership team I have been able to help continue to support the safe space that our teammates value. This group has become a chosen family for me, and many others. I have had the opportunity to meet so many new people that I would not have been previously exposed to and I have learned so much about my community and myself in return."Brown & Brown’s commitment to DIB is authentic and intentional."
More About Alonzo
Alonzo Dunn
Vice President, Business Development
Arrowhead Programs
Brown & Brown leaders value and appreciate individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to the organization, and this starts at the top. I’m happy to give my talents to the organization and look forward to promoting the culture of belonging in every interaction with customers, teammates, and business partners."I’m happy to give my talents to the organization and look forward to promoting the culture of belonging"
More About Riley
Riley Ball
Technology Solutions Associate
Technology Solutions
My favorite Power of BE is ‘BE the Link’. I want to have friendships with the people I see every day and want these friends to enjoy spending their day with us, whether in-office or online. I believe that by showing my true self, I can hopefully encourage a positive work environment that allows people to feel comfortable being themselves while working more efficiently."I believe that by showing my true self, I can hopefully encourage a positive work environment"
More About Shawn
Shawn Abbatessa
Chief of Staff
Brown & Brown Absence Services Group
Brown & Brown provides me the opportunity to embrace and foster a sense of belonging by allowing my teammates and me to have diversity of thought, ideas, and viewpoints. Our opinions matter and are heard; our well-being, development, and growth matter."Our opinions matter and are heard; our well-being, development, and growth matter."
More About Chuck
Chuck Smith
Sr. VP Team Resource & Administration
Wright Risk Insurance
I am proud to work for a company that supports DIB the way Brown & Brown does and was pleased when the company started its DIB program for all offices."I feel like I belong and have a voice at Brown & Brown."
More About Jessica
Jessica Pires
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Leader
Brown & Brown Insurance
My elementary school’s motto was, and still is, “Everyone is different. Everyone Belongs.” This quote has been a guiding principle and mantra for me since I was 5 years old; it’s something I’m so grateful to have heard so often as a young person. Belonging for me means I can be my unique self in a community with others. I feel a sense of belonging when those around me form intentional connections. Personally, that means asking with the intent to understand and coming together with an open-minded and accepting spirit."Everyone is different. Everyone Belongs."
More About Kristi
Kristi Schnepp
Account Leader
Brown & Brown Insurance
I believe Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Brown & Brown is a much-needed facet of our organization that raises awareness, offers a safe space for teammates, and advocates for positive change and growth for all teammates."I am proud to serve as co-leader for the LGBTQ+ Teammate Resource Group (TRG)."
More About Dana
Dana Wells
HR Administrator
Brown & Brown Absence Services Group
To me, belongingness means feeling accepted and comfortable within a community. It’s a fundamental human need. At Brown & Brown, I’ve never felt more at home. A significant part of this is the Teammate Resource Groups. No matter which group I’m involved in, I feel a strong connection with others. We share common goals and ideas while celebrating our unique differences. Working in an organization that prioritizes inclusion and belonging means being surrounded by supportive individuals. It’s inspiring to see how, together, we uplift each other’s morale and engagement. I’ve truly found my community at B&B through the Power of She. This was the first TRG I joined, and I feel fortunate to now hold a leadership position within it. This group has provided me with the opportunity to strengthen relationships and learn from remarkable women leaders throughout the organization. I’ve fully embraced all TRGs, and I am continually amazed by the incredible support from every teammate involved. I feel comfortable and welcomed in every meeting. I’ve also learned the importance of being an ally, and I’m committed to doing my part to make B&B an even more inclusive space for everyone."I’ve truly found my community at B&B through the Power of She. "
