--- title: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Rathbun Insurance in Lansing Michigan description: At Rathbun Insurance, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations. --- # DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION * * * At Rathbun Insurance, **Being There Matters Most.** _Period._ To be there when it matters most for our clients, our staff, and our community, we must prioritize **diversity, equity, and inclusion** —not as a tagline, but as a set of real, meaningful actions. We know DEI isn’t a destination. It's a journey—and while we acknowledge we still have work to do, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made and the commitments we’ve set. These practices are woven into the fabric of our agency and shape how we show up every day—as our authentic selves—for the people we serve. We recognize that embracing and celebrating our differences makes us stronger, more empathetic, and better equipped to serve our diverse clientele. That’s why we’re committed to fostering a culture of inclusion in every aspect of our operations. ## Our DEI commitments are as follows: We value the diversity of our employees, clients, and community members. This includes—but is not limited to—differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socio-economic status. We believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and promote deeper understanding. We are actively working to eliminate systemic barriers and create equal opportunities for everyone. Equity at Rathbun shows up in real policies and procedures. ### Inclusive Recruitment & Hiring Practices We’ve developed structured interview processes and standardized evaluation criteria to reduce bias. We also actively seek candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. ### Flexible Work Arrangements We offer remote work, flexible schedules, and a compressed workweek (including early Friday closures) to support work-life balance. ### Equitable Compensation & Benefits Since 2023, we’ve conducted two compensation studies, including pay equity audits. Our benefits reflect the diverse needs of our staff—offering flexible paid time off, a clothing and cell phone allowance, and 100% employer-paid medical coverage for single employees. ### Professional Development & Paid Association Memberships We support mentorship, networking, and professional growth. Rathbun Insurance maintains memberships in organizations such as the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Big I Michigan, the Lansing Rotary Club, and the Mason Rotary Club. In addition, many of our employees actively participate in a variety of professional, civic, industry, and community organizations. We encourage staff to engage in opportunities that expand their perspectives, strengthen their professional networks, and deepen their connection to the communities we serve. ### Monthly DEI Training & Cultural Field Trips Rathbun employees participate in ongoing DEI and belonging discussions facilitated by external professionals. Topics include cultural awareness, communication, unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and understanding experiences different from our own. ### Clear Anti-Discrimination & Harassment Policies Our policies explicitly prohibit discrimination and harassment. We offer confidential reporting mechanisms and address concerns swiftly and seriously. ### Accessibility We recognize that creating an inclusive environment requires more than good intentions. It requires removing barriers. Through ADA-compliant facility improvements, professional language translation services, accessibility-focused virtual office tours through Able Eyes, and our commitment as a Recovery Friendly Workplace, we strive to ensure individuals can access insurance education, services, and support in ways that work best for them. ### Supplier Diversity Programs (In Progress) A goal for our 2026 fiscal year is to launch a supplier diversity program to source goods and services from minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses. ### Regular Assessment & Public Reporting We periodically evaluate our DEI efforts and share updates to remain transparent and accountable to our team and community. We strive to create a culture where every individual feels welcome, respected, and heard. We value open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and inclusive leadership. Everyone deserves a sense of belonging—and we work to ensure each employee can thrive and reach their full potential. We are steadfast in our rejection of discrimination, bias, and harassment in all forms. We continuously educate ourselves and others on unconscious bias, systemic inequities, and how we can be part of positive change—within our agency and the broader insurance industry. We hold ourselves accountable. That means continually assessing our policies, tracking our progress, and inviting honest feedback from our employees, clients, and community. ### Community Engagement We actively engage with our communities to expand access, opportunity, education, and economic mobility. We partner with organizations serving diverse populations and invest in initiatives that strengthen our community and increase belonging for all. We collaborate with organizations and community leaders working toward equity and inclusion, striving to make a positive impact beyond our business operations. We also put our money where our mouth is—eliminating our traditional marketing and advertising budget and instead directing those funds directly into the community. Annually, we donate more than $50,000 to [support local causes, nonprofits, and community-based initiatives](/community-involvement). ### Language Access & Representation We recognize that language can be a barrier to understanding insurance products and services. Through our partnership with [7C Lingo](https://7clingo.com/) and the addition of multilingual team member(s), we continue working to improve access for Limited English Individuals throughout our community. We also remain committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating pathways into the insurance industry for individuals from diverse backgrounds. ### Internship and Workforce Development We believe opportunity changes lives. Through partnerships with local schools, colleges, workforce development organizations, and internship programs, Rathbun Insurance actively introduces students and emerging professionals to careers in insurance. Our goal is to create pathways into an industry that has historically lacked awareness and accessibility among many populations. **At Rathbun Insurance, DEI is not a checkbox—it’s how we do business.** By continuing to learn, grow, and hold ourselves accountable, we’re working toward a more just and inclusive future for our industry and our community. ## Accessibility in Action At Rathbun Insurance, we believe diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility go hand in hand. Creating a welcoming environment means more than having an open door. It means helping people feel comfortable, informed, and supported before they ever walk through it. That is why we partnered with Able Eyes Virtual Tours to create an immersive 360-degree tour of our office. This virtual experience allows clients, prospective clients, employees, job candidates, and community members to explore our space before visiting in person. For individuals with disabilities, mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, autism, anxiety, PTSD, or anyone who benefits from knowing what to expect, this tool can help reduce uncertainty and create a more comfortable experience. Accessibility has been a priority throughout our recent office renovation. In addition to ADA-compliant improvements, we wanted to provide a way for people to experience our environment remotely. Through this virtual tour, visitors can familiarize themselves with parking areas, entrances, meeting spaces, office layout, and the overall atmosphere of our facility. **Why does this matter?** - Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States lives with a disability. - Approximately 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. - Millions of people experience anxiety that can make unfamiliar environments challenging to navigate. By providing this resource, we hope to remove barriers, increase confidence, and create a more inclusive experience for everyone we serve. Accessibility is not a one-time project. It is an ongoing commitment to ensuring that every person feels welcome, respected, and empowered to access the services and support they need. 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