Inclusion & Diversity
We are proud of our 15,000+ employees who come from all backgrounds, perspectives, and regions. We are committed to building a culture of belonging where employees are accepted for who they are and can make connections that help unlock their full potential. To make this happen, we have four key priorities:
Committing At The Highest LEvel
Cooper’s commitment to diversity and inclusion starts at the top. Our President and CEO, Al White, signed the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion™ Pledge, the world’s largest CEO-driven initiative to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
Our Vision
Ensure all employees feel a sense of belonging, acceptance, respect & know they are valued by creating a safe & equitable environment that allows all employees to contribute their whole selves & all their talents to make our company the best it can be. In short, a place where we're all proud to be a part of.
Our Mission
We are committed to building a culture of belonging where employees are accepted for who they are and can make meaningful connections that help them unlock and achieve their full potential.
Driving Change
Cooper's Global Inclusion Council is comprised of several leaders from across the company's businesses, regions and functions, each playing a key role in shaping our inclusion strategy. Their top objectives include:
- Participating in the development of top level I&D strategies, policies, and programs
- Promoting training and other activities that embed I&D in the workplace
- Serving as ambassadors and change agents via professional events and sharing best practices across the organization
- Partnering with HR to establish and develop Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Members of the Global Inclusion Council serve as diversity champions, advocates and thought leaders
Glenn Sunnergren
CHQ HR VP Global Human Resources, CooperCompanies
Holly Sheffield
President, CooperSurgical
Jerry Warner
President, CooperVision
Lisa Fawcett
Executive Vice President, Strategy & Market Development Cooper Surgical
Lisette Zambrana Rodriquez
Senior Director, Global Inclusion and Diversity, CooperVision
Mark Valentine
Chief Commercial Officer, CooperSurgical
Simon Seshadri
SVP Global Marketing & Life Cycle Management, CooperVision
Kathy Park
APAC President, CooperVision
Kim Shaffer
VP Assistant General Council,CooperSurgical
Willie S Grant
Global Head, Human Resources, CooperSurgical
Listening and Learning
We promote ongoing communication to help ensure everyone feels heard. As an example, we launched a 'leading with inclusion’ program for Director-level and above leaders. The training is designed to develop their capabilities for building more inclusive workplaces, managing diverse teams, and serving diverse customers and business partners without unconscious bias.
Employee Resource Groups
Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are open forums for employees who share common interests and perspectives. Each ERG is a network within our company that offers ways to socialize, find a mentor, work on professional development, and raise awareness of relevant issues.
The common goal of these groups is to promote inclusivity and belonging. The ERGs also play a role in shaping future initiatives and can positively impact how we work. Our first four ERGs include:
African Descent United States
Women's Impact Network
Cooper Pride
Mind & Body Wellbeing