Akron Zoo

The Akron Zoo will develop a comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plan focused on five areas, including workforce, workplace, guest services, community partnerships, and procurement. Project activities will include an assessment of the existing workplace culture, collection of community data, identification of baseline DEI measures, development of a strategy to reorient the existing work plans around DEI, professional development for zoo staff, and ongoing evaluation of progress. The project will involve several consultants as well as establishing an executive team and a staff advisory council, who each will receive training on communication and unconscious bias. The outcome of the project activities will center DEI as a principle driving decisions across the zoo, that will benefit zoo employees, along with broader community.