Message from the Interim Executive Director/CEO

We all know that a job in the solid waste and resource management field can provide a fulfilling and rewarding career. The challenge is ensuring that those contemplating their career journey also know about the profession. This is why a key component of SWANA’s current strategic plan states, “Reframe perception of industry as employers of choice.” To meet this goal, the board realized that a key driver would be leading in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

What does that mean? Well, we know that finding the best people for various positions can often mean casting as wide a net as possible. Successful employers in the governmental and private sectors realize that historically, there are many groups of people who were previously overlooked for hiring, promotions, and executive positions -- not because of a lack of skills, experience, or commitment, so much as pre-conceived notions about who should occupy specific positions in an organization.

If those from non-traditional groups are not included in our ranks as staff and management, it sends a signal to these people that there is no reason to even consider applying. Because the solid waste and resource management industry endeavors to be seen as an employer of choice for the best and brightest, we need to be open to being inclusive of a diverse group who will be interviewed and hired.

In an increasingly diverse world, embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), moves from a “nice to have” criteria to one that is critical to ensure the greatest success for an industry or profession. Some see DEI as a societal obligation or endeavor. But the fact of the matter is that governmental and private industry realize that understanding, embracing, and promoting a culture supportive of DEI in the workplace is good for business.

Being a diverse organization means that we value, appreciate, and respect people from different walks of life regardless of social or ethnic background, or of different physical abilities, age, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Equity is a way in which we recognize that not everyone starts from the same place and that we adjust in ways to address those imbalances. Inclusion allows employers to create an environment where everyone enjoys access and opportunities.

SWANA’s strategic plan recognizes that employers across all aspects of resource management offer desirable jobs and opportunities for professional and personal growth. Through the promotion and support of our young professionals, agreeing to collaborations that recruit and train individuals into skilled trade positions, and creating resources and providing support of DEI efforts among our members, we really can create a robust and thriving workforce in solid waste and resource management.