Donald, Global Office of Diversity and Inclusion – A former college professor in his native Shanghai, China, Donald came to the U.S. in 1990 and has worked with the company in a number of roles since 1996. After eight years in the Information Systems Division, he has focused his energy on helping Walmart become the most diverse employer and the most inclusive place to work.
We’ve all heard people talk about defining moments in their lives; that instant when their passion becomes clear. Mine came when I was 16 years old and living in Shanghai during China’s Cultural Revolution. The revolution brought education to a halt, and the economic crash meant there were no jobs. All middle school graduates of my age were sent to work in the poor countryside with no running water or electricity. I was shocked by social and economic disparity – how some people in the country had so much opportunity and others didn’t. This was when I realized how important it is that everyone has an equal chance to succeed. I was ready to take that chance.
I came to the U.S. more than 20 years ago for graduate school, and I stayed because of Walmart. From early in my career, I knew that the company’s commitment to diversity was rooted in the culture. The Walmart value system aligns with mine – a culture of respect, excellence and serving others – and the company’s size gives every associate a platform to drive change, no matter where they begin. The team I’m part of now is helping build the most diverse generation of Walmart leaders yet.
In the Global Office of Diversity and Inclusion, part of our job is to give associates the tools they need for better work and personal lives like our Associate Resource Groups (ARG). ARG’s help associates with similar backgrounds come together and have a sense of community. Their work is making a difference in professional development, business support and community involvement. Our mentoring and sponsoring programs encourage managers to develop and grow associates to unleash their full potential. These groups help Walmart become an inclusive workplace where everyone is respected for who they are and valued for what they do.
Walmart knows a diverse workforce is good business. It helps us better serve customers, grow and attract next generation talent. And a more diverse workforce gives the company new perspectives that spark innovative solutions to challenges.
Today, Walmart is one of the most diverse employers in the US. 57 percent of our U.S. workforce are women and 37 percent are people of color. 24 percent of our board members and 28 percent of our corporate officers are women – double the average of Fortune 500 companies. I’m proud about the work we do – helping make Walmart the best place for everyone to work around the world.
Making diversity a priority isn’t just good business, it’s the right thing to do. It defines who we are. By giving every associate the opportunity to become a leader, Walmart is changing lives and making the world a better place. I’m proud to be a part of that.
Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at Walmart.