Thinkzilla Consulting Spotlight: Blaylock Van and SRP

Consulting firm that excels in diversity initiatives shines light on client’s powerful DE&I

Thinkzilla Consulting, a Black- and woman-owned brand engagement firm, is one of the nation’s fastest-growing diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) consulting firms as well as one of the only firms that combines program management, strategic planning and deep DE&I expertise. Thinkzilla recently launched a proprietary DE&I scorecard for clients, which can be used for audits, training and programming, and to build more inclusive workplaces and workforces.

Not surprisingly, Thinkzilla works and connects with many diverse businesses and organizations interested in expanding their diversity, equity and inclusion focus. Since companies with ethnically diverse executive teams outperform their peers by a full 33 percent when it comes to profitability, according to a McKinsey report, it simply makes sense to enhance this area of focus for businesses of all sizes.

"We love supporting businesses passionate about growing their work in diversity, equity and inclusion and helping them make a stronger impact on their workforce and the world at large," said the founder and CEO of Thinkzilla Consulting, Dr. Velma Trayham. "Together, we are creating and inspiring change in an incredibly meaningful and impactful way."

Two recent stars in this arena are Blaylock Van and SRP.

Blaylock Van

Wall Street’s oldest continually operating Black-owned investment firm, Blaylock Van, LLC has long recognized and embodied the power of diverse, equitable and inclusive leadership. In 2022 in particular, the firm is focused on growing the number of women leaders in the company.

Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise by the State of New York, the State of Wisconsin, the City of New York and the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Blaylock Van is 81 percent Black-owned. It serves corporations, municipalities, investment managers and pension funds with a diverse employee base committed to work beyond financial services.

Blaylock Van’s Diversity & Inclusion Statement encourages individuals to "come as you are and work for Blaylock Van," offering extensive diversity, equity and inclusion training while inspiring employees to "bring your whole self to work, sharing your unique ideas and perspectives, while helping us advanced our shared values."

In addition, Blaylock Van has partnered with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy to support minority women entrepreneurs in developing sustainable and successful businesses and committed to supporting the academy through employee volunteer hours. The company recently launched the Seynabou Ba Fund A trust fund to honor long-time Capital Markets Senior Vice President Seyna Ba, who inspired many with her determination to support women of color in forging their own paths.

SRP

A community-based, not-for-profit, Srp has provided reliable, affordable water and power to central Arizona for more than a century, helping the Phoenix metropolitan area develop and thrive. With a forward-thinking approach, SRP continues to lead the way with new technology, a focus on DE&I, and innovation in addressing water and energy supply challenges.

With a strong commitment to supplier diversity, SRP helps makes communities and businesses stronger. SRP supports a broad coalition of business partners—engaging with women-, minority- and veteran-owned businesses as well as LGBTQ and local small businesses to foster economic empowerment and provide a sustainable supply chain marketplace.

SRP recognizes that there is a tangible return from supplier diversity endeavors, which creates a strong value proposition. The company’s supplier diversity mission is to promote a composition of corporate spending?reflective of the communities we serve by utilizing diverse businesses. Their vision is that: Key personnel, including executives, senior management, business segment management and purchasing agents, are educated about, understand and support the importance and benefits of supplier diversity at SRP and are accountable for its success. They have trained more than 650 employees on DE&I initiatives in the past two years and launched Brave Space dialogues to engage employees and leaders in meaningful conversations.

At SRP, diversity is woven into the company’s mission of ensuring the vitality of the Salt River Valley.?Team members support diversity in the communities they serve through volunteer initiatives, financial contributions and education programs addressing underserved needs. They foster a culture of integrity,?openness?and respect among our employees through hiring, training, workplace programs and, most importantly, through the daily actions of the people throughout our organization.?

In addition, SRP believes in the benefits of a neurologically diverse workforce and was the first company in Arizona to partner with The Precisionists Inc., which works with companies nationwide to create job opportunities for people on the autism spectrum.

Thinkzilla Consulting Spotlight: Blaylock Van and Srp - Scottsdale DE&I Consulting & Program Management