Wipfli accelerates DEI initiatives through new partnerships

In a major boost to efforts supporting a more diverse workforce, Wipfli, a national advisory and accounting firm, announced partnerships with two nationally recognized organizations dedicated to improving opportunities for underrepresented job candidates. The diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives focus on skill development and network building that will enhance Wipfli’s ability to recruit strong, diverse talent.

The firm’s agreement with Hiring Our Heroes (HOH), a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, connects transitioning military service members, veterans and military spouses with American businesses through hiring events, digital programs, training fellowships and internships to develop a pipeline of talent ready to join the firm.

Wipfli joins leading companies, including Amazon, Hilton, Comcast NBCUniversal and Johnson & Johnson, as an HOH partner. Wipfli’s newest associate-driven advocacy group Valor is taking the lead role in the partnership and has already participated in two virtual hiring events targeting accounting and technology/cybersecurity candidates. In January, Valor will participate in the fellowship program, which is open to veterans, military spouses, transitioning service members and military caregivers.

Kaitlin Jach, Valor's communication chair, said that her commitment to supporting the military community is deeply personal even though she never served herself. “I do it to honor my family who cried when my brother deployed to Afghanistan,” she said. “I do it to honor the sacrifices of both of my grandmothers and mom who held together the family nucleus while their husbands served. I do it to honor everyone I know who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be safe at home.”

Wipfli’s multicultural business resource group Embrace is teaming up with Braven to help high-potential college students develop transferrable skills that lead to a career path in business. Wipfli associates will serve as mentors to students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to help set them up for long-term success. Wipfli associates will also participate in mock interviews, resume reviews and offer career advice with Braven fellows.

Among other employers partnering with Braven are LinkedIn, Prudential and Capital One.

“I’m excited and proud that our firm is continuing to build the workforce of the future through these new partnerships,” managing partner Kurt Gresens said. “Working with Hiring Our Heroes and Braven helps us further our goal to cultivate an inclusive working environment. Our diversity makes us a stronger organization, and we are committed to its success.”