Main Menu

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

Bates White is deeply committed to fostering and maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We strive to create an environment where everyone is included and feels a sense of belonging—a place where they are accepted, comfortable, and supported. We deliver on our commitment by respecting and empowering our people, trusting their judgment, and celebrating their uniqueness.

    
 
 

Diversity and inclusion is, and always has been, a priority.

  • 2 young men and 2 young women, standing together and smiling while holding rainbow flags.

“We understand and appreciate the value of differing backgrounds, opinions, and experiences. This diversity improves our creativity, provides greater perspective, and enables more thoughtful decisions.”

Charles Bates, Chairman and Partner

What diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging means to our employees

  • We create opportunities for employees to be heard, and leadership listens and responds

    “I am comfortable raising challenging questions with senior leadership and know that my ideas will be respected and heard.”
    Assaph Aharoni, Principal

  • International colleagues bring perspectives that help us address challenging questions

    "When working through complex questions, the diversity of ideas and experiences brought by our international colleagues helps us provide creative and thoughtful solutions."

    David DeRamus, Partner

  • The Women’s Network offers a space to build and strengthen connections

    "I love attending Women’s Network drop-in lunches because it allows me to have candid conversations and foster relationships across the firm at all levels."

    Catherine Tang, Manager

  • Bates White fosters an environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and comfortable being themselves

    “I am empowered to show up authentically, bring my full potential to work, and connect with our LGBTQ+ community through BWProud.”

    Sam Sherman, Senior Consultant

How we are doing it

Bates White is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace through formal and informal programs. Our BWProud, Diversity-Inclusion Council, International Network, and Women’s Network sponsor educational seminars to increase awareness of diversity issues, implement training programs to eliminate unconscious bias and increase cultural humility, and provide ways to build relationships and share cultural experiences.

  • BWProud

    BWProud

    BWProud represents LGBTQ+ employees, allies, and supporters with education, community service, and resources.

  • Diversity-Inclusion Council

    Diversity-Inclusion Council

    Our Diversity-Inclusion Council ensures that diversity and inclusion are supported in all aspects of firm operations.

  • Womens Network

    Womens Network

    The Women’s Network provides a platform to address issues of interest to staff broadly and women specifically.

  • International Network

    International Network

    This network offers a way for international colleagues to support each other and provide opportunities for all employees to understand international challenges and celebrate our diverse cultures. 

Recent/upcoming celebrations

  • February 2024Bates White celebrates Black History Month

    To commemorate Black History Month, colleagues held a trivia event to raise money for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, sponsored an education program, and highlighted notable people and events.

    A man standing in front of a lectern and holding a cup of water.
  • October 2023Prof. Sansone shares economic research on LGBTQ+ issues

    On National Coming Out Day, BWProud hosted a special presentation from Dr. Dario Sansone of the University of Exeter.

    A rainbow-colored slide, titled "Economic Research on LGBTQ+ issues," and on the right, a headshot of Professor Dario Sansone.
  • July 2023“Talented Ladies” visit Bates White

    The BW Women’s Network hosted an office visit for high school girls participating in the DC Department of Parks and Recreation’s life-skills program.

    2 adult female employees with around a dozen teenage girls; they are clustered together, smiling, and some feature "peace" signs.
  • October 2023Celebrating seven fall festivals

    Our International Network hosted a fall festival to celebrate seven autumnal holidays from around the world.

    Two young men and one young woman smiling together in front of a "Diwali" themed table.

Grow your career at Bates White

Jump to Page arrow_upward

We use cookies to optimize the performance of this site and give you the best user experience. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our use of cookies.

Necessary Cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies help us improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage. We access and process information from these cookies at an aggregate level.