At TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) aren’t just words. DEI is embedded into our business and culture and part of our strategic advantage that drives the bank’s business success.
In recognition of TD Bank’s longstanding DEI commitment, Forbes recently ranked the bank #9 on its list of America's Best Employers for Diversity 2024. In addition, Fair360 listed TD Bank as #20 on its list of 2024 Top 50 Companies for workplace fairness.
This is the sixth consecutive year that TD has been included on the Forbes list. Forbes said its seventh annual list was created in partnership with market research firm Statists based in part on survey results from 170,000 people who evaluated organizations ’approach to DEI as it pertains to age, gender, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation.
The bank’s ranking by Fair360, formerly DiversityInc, is the 12th consecutive year it has recognized TD Bank as a one of the best U.S. companies in hiring, retaining, and promoting women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2+ employees, and veterans. Fair360’s 2024 rankings resulted from surveys completed by 160 companies with at least 750 employees, totaling approximately 7.3 million U.S. workers. Criteria included leadership accountability, workforce diversity, talent programs, workplace practices, supplier fairness, and philanthropy.
Catalyst for creativity and progress
Senior leaders at TD are committed to DEI and champion these values across the bank.
“At TD, we’re dedicated to creating environments where all customers, colleagues and communities feel respected, valued and supported” said Matt Boss, Head of U.S Consumer Banking and U.S. Diversity Leadership Team Chair, TD Bank. “Embracing our differences drives creativity and progress and makes us a stronger company, and we're honored and proud to be recognized for our continued efforts in this space.”
JoAnn Means, Senior Diversity Talent Sourcer, TD Bank, knows how DEI recruitment efforts can pay off for all TD stakeholders — colleagues, customers, shareholders, and local communities. Her perspective not only as a diversity talent sourcer, but also as a Black woman and veteran provides her first-hand insights for the importance of diversity in the workforce.
“Companies should prioritize a diverse workforce because diversity drives innovation and creativity by bringing together different perspectives and experiences,” she said. “It’s also the right thing to do and helps us better serve our diverse customer base.”
Creating opportunities for all
Hugh Allen, U.S. Head of Commercial Real Estate, notes the role that DEI has across all levels at the bank.
“Diversity across the TD franchise at all levels provides a platform for mentorship and sponsorship that will help us retain and develop key talent for the bank,” he said. “We want our workforce to mirror the communities we serve, while our leadership development programs ensure that diverse talent thrives within our organization.”
Hugh emphasized how TD is focused on reflecting the communities it serves with a diverse workforce.
“Our TD Bank Community Impact Plan outlines our commitment to a focus on diverse staffing that reflects the communities we serve,” he said. “Likewise, TD has developed a strategy for engaging and recruiting from HBCUs which will help us continue to produce highly qualified, diverse talent. Also, TD has several leadership development programs that high-performing talent of different backgrounds, all of which can help build and retain talent at TD.”
Ensuring everyone can thrive
Marla Willner, Head of Commercial Credit Management and Strategic Initiatives is also the Executive Sponsor of Women at TD.
This executive sponsor role provides Marla, and those involved in the Women at TD network, the opportunity to further TD’s commitment to promote and foster an inclusive workplace and support the advancement of women and achieve gender equity within TD and beyond. She cited the bank’s 50 Ways to Fight Bias training that helps team members conceptualize the unconscious bias and microaggressions women face daily, while providing the awareness and understanding they need to help make a difference for women at work.
“At TD, we believe in creating an inclusive work environment where all communities have the opportunity to succeed and thrive,” she said.
Another example, Marla cited, is TD's Connected Leadership Academy. “It’s a program that directly invests in diverse women leaders by providing high-potential colleagues the workshops, assessments, and networking experiences needed to further their development and reach their leadership potential,” she said. “I'm grateful for TD's focus on fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can bring their entire selves to work — and for being in a position to support this inclusivity.”
Strategic approach, sustained efforts, tangible results
TD Bank's strategic approach to DEI has not only enriched its organizational culture but has also positioned it as a leader in creating a workplace that truly reflects the diverse communities it serves. The efforts TD has made over many years are the reason Fair360 ranked the bank so highly across these seven specialty lists:
- Top Companies for Asian American Executives: #13
- Top Companies for Black Executives: #10
- Top Companies for Latino Executives: #13
- Top Companies for Executive Women: #15
- Top Companies for Native American/Pacific Islander (NAPI) Executives: #9
- Top Companies for Philanthropy: #13
- Top Companies for Talent Acquisition for Women of Color: #12
DEI and philanthropy are close to the heart for Ellen Glaessner, Executive Vice President, U.S. Head, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship, Senior Advisor to the CEO, General Counsel, and Executive Sponsor of LGBTQ2+, TD Bank.
“Community engagement is important for TD Bank because banks do better when our communities do better,” she said. “As part of our local communities, we want to see meaningful and lasting improvement. Nothing makes me prouder of TD's investment in communities than when I think about the meaningful impact we make in diverse communities.”