Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
DEI Commitment
At OCC, diversity and unity are at the heart of who we are, where every individual is welcomed, respected, and embraced with kindness. In fact, DEI is part of our #WeAreOCC value. Our colleagues fuel our success, fostering inclusivity through our Employee Network Groups (ENGs), DEI Council, and cultural events, which bring a vibrant spirit to our workplace.
Our DEI efforts aim to:
- Actively expand our talent pipeline and redefine our hiring and promotion practices, ensuring we continue to cultivate a diverse and talented workforce.
- Engender a culture of inclusion, belonging, and trust for the OCC community by being transparent about our progress and acknowledging where we can do more.
- Invest in the communities where we live and work, forging powerful relationships with local organizations that support marginalized and disinvested communities to promote access to quality education and employment opportunities.
OCC recognizes and appreciates that diversity encompasses people of different backgrounds, identities, and experiences, such as race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, military/veteran status, age, and more. As we continue our journey, we embrace the work we still must accomplish to achieve equity in the workplace and in our community.
Our Journey
As The Foundation for Secure Markets®, we must have a solid footing for our DEI efforts. The evolution of our strategy relies on collaboration across all levels of the company and partnership with community stakeholders.
DEI Council
A collaborative group that provides thought leadership and governance to our DEI strategy, working to create an inclusive workplace and increase the recruitment, retention, and promotion of the underrepresented groups highlighted in our DEI Commitment. The DEI Council brings together key stakeholders from across OCC to evolve a culture of inclusion by generating trust, a feeling of belonging, and equity in the development and implementation of the DEI strategy.
Employee Network Groups
Employee-led and intended to build community at OCC for underrepresented groups, ENGs create a space for allyship, and advance efforts to achieve equity in the workplace and in the broader communities where we live and work.
OCC proudly sponsors the following ENGs and plans to include more in the future:
- Black Organization for Leadership and Development (BOLD)
- Women's Leadership Network (WLN)
- Hispanic/Latino OCC Leaders and Allies (HOLA)
- Helping Young Professionals Excel and Develop (HYPED)
- Advancing Accessibility (ACCESS)
Talent Pipeline
We are committed to empowering colleagues’ growth, learning, and development along their professional journey. We value the deep knowledge and expertise of our long-tenured colleagues, along with the fresh perspective of our newer colleagues.
We work to actively expand our talent pipeline and redefine our hiring and promotion practices, ensuring we continue to cultivate a diverse and talented workforce. Our talent pipeline initiatives include OCC’s Internship Program, collaborative efforts with community partners such as Chicago Scholars, Cristo Rey, and Out in Finance, and a referral bonus program for OCC employees who refer underrepresented talent. We believe our efforts will improve equitable hiring, expand our talent pipeline, and spark positive change within our organization and industry.
Careers at OCC
The world’s largest economy depends on OCC to be the foundation for secure markets. We are one of only eight institutions designed as a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility (SIFMU) and the first to request regulatory approval to move its core applications to the cloud. We undertake ambitious, exciting, and rewarding projects that encourage colleagues to reach their full potential.
Numerous studies have shown that people from groups that are traditionally under-represented in financial services apply to jobs only if they believe they meet 100% of the requirements. We want to break down this mindset to further diversify our workforce. We encourage you to review our open positions and apply if you think your experience may be a match, even if you do not meet all of the qualifications. Your perspective may be an element we need to continue building innovative solutions to support the markets and market participants we serve.
Community Partnerships
Giving back to our community is an integral part of who we are. Our Community Impact Initiative forges powerful relationships with local organizations that support marginalized and disinvested communities to promote access to quality education and employment opportunities. Anchoring on our values, we believe in doing what is right and generating greater impact on the communities where we live and work. Learn more about our Community Impact Initiative here.
Culture
Our culture is always evolving. We embrace the diverse perspectives of our colleagues and foster meaningful connections across teams, striving to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Together, we celebrate our unique perspectives and identities, standing united with a shared purpose of fulfilling our vital role in the markets while fostering growth both internally and beyond our walls.