Our Diversity & Belonging Philosophy

Community is about embracing diversity, inclusion, empathy, and equity in the spirit of shared purpose and values. The strongest community leaders do so with compassion and acceptance—embracing people’s differences as well as their commonalities. They stand against exclusion and strive to make the world a place that provides life-affirming belonging we all need to thrive. As a company built around strengthening communities, the events of 2020 made us realize that we had not focused enough on countering the erosive dynamics of division and exclusion.

Making Changes

After the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others, and the demonstrations of 2020, it became essential to be more intentional in working for diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging—which we call Diversity & Belonging (D&B). This is an ongoing process that will continue to evolve. Read below to learn more about some of these efforts.

Committing to Our Internal Community

Custom Ink is committed to being a diverse and inclusive community company where every Inker (that’s what we call our team members), particularly those at high risk of being marginalized based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other factors, feels welcomed and a sense of belonging; is heard, valued, and can thrive as their authentic selves. We seek our commonalities and humanity while respecting and embracing our differences, and ensuring that every Inker is treated equitably and with kindness. Our commitment and unifying message extend to the diverse representation of our talent and leadership, customers, partners, and the communities where Inkers live and work.

Determining a Path Forward

Starting with round tables primarily made up of Inkers of Color, we worked to hear and understand what our team members were feeling and thinking. The experience was one of bonding, revelation, release, and understanding, and it confirmed our commitment to being a company of inclusion and belonging for all Inkers. We then consulted experts and began to make structural changes to the company that would create a positive impact for Inkers, customers, and partners, along with our communities.

Committed leadership and being attentive and responsive to the feedback, insights, curiosity, and concerns of Inkers is essential to successfully infusing D&B throughout Custom Ink. We want every Inker to feel valued, included, and know that they are a key ingredient to all that we strive to achieve. Through creating opportunities for connection, sharing, innovation, and learning, the active engagement and involvement of Inkers at every level of Custom Ink is not only important to our collective success, but is also reflective of our core values.

Looking to the Future

This work is ongoing and not without challenges, but our commitment is continuous. Our goal is to infuse D&B into our “ways of working” across all areas of our business, both internally and externally, and continue to evolve as we grow.

We Are Hiring

You’ve read our mission. If you’ve made it this far, we’re looking for people like you. Join us and apply today.