Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at American Express: Our commitment
Our differences are what shape the world, and we’re committed to ensuring everyone is seen, heard, and feels like they belong. That’s why we’re actively cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every voice is valued, teamwork is rewarded, and different points of view are celebrated.
We see diversity of people and experiences as fuel for the creativity and innovation we need to be and deliver our best, for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve.
Empowered Voices: Hear from #TeamAmex colleagues
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives at American Express: Turning words into action
"Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of the American Express culture. Providing an environment where every colleague can be themselves, embrace differences and feel included is something we’re very proud of and continue to work on every day as the world continues to evolve. When our colleagues feel supported and thrive, we all win.”
Sonia Cargan,
Senior Vice President, Chief Colleague Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Talent Officer
We remain committed to creating a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive workplace and Company. American Express supports this work through the following initiatives:
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Formed an Office of Enterprise Inclusion and Business Engagement
Formed an Office of Enterprise Inclusion and Business Engagement
Formed an Office of Enterprise Inclusion and Business Engagement
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Inclusion and belonging training for all colleagues
Inclusion and belonging training for all colleagues
Inclusion and belonging training for all colleagues
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Launched the American Express Ambition Project to inspire women to confidently pursue their ambition, whether personal or professional, and pay it forward by supporting the ambition of others
Launched the American Express Ambition Project to inspire women to confidently pursue their ambition, whether personal or professional, and pay it forward by supporting the ambition of others
Launched the American Express Ambition Project to inspire women to confidently pursue their ambition, whether personal or professional, and pay it forward by supporting the ambition of others
Learn more about our efforts and work to date:
$1B+
Exceeded $1 billion in spending towards our DE&I Action plan; set new goal to spend $3 billion with underrepresented-owned suppliers and towards other DE&I initiatives through 2025
Maintained 100% pay equity across genders globally and across races and ethnicities in the US for the 2nd consecutive year
100%
$14M+
More than $14 million in grants provided to nonprofits focused on addressing inequality and promoting social justice since announcing our goal of $50 million in October 2020
Colleague Networks: At American Express, we want you to be you
American Express has 14 Colleague Networks focusing on ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, generations and more. From informal networking events to community initiatives, our Colleague Networks, which are open to everyone, help support personal and professional development, skill-building and career growth. Since forming our first formal Colleague Network in 1987, we now have over 120 chapters globally that help drive an inclusive culture – together.
Developing and leveraging Asian talent through activities around leadership, networking, seminars and cultural awareness.
Developing and leveraging Asian talent through activities around leadership, networking, seminars and cultural awareness.
Creating a dynamic and culturally enriched work environment for Black/African American colleagues.
Creating a dynamic and culturally enriched work environment for Black/African American colleagues.
Enriching cultural life through educational and community-oriented events to foster awareness of Jewish culture.
Enriching cultural life through educational and community-oriented events to foster awareness of Jewish culture.
Providing support, education, and personal and professional growth opportunities to people with disabilities or disability interests.
Providing support, education, and personal and professional growth opportunities to people with disabilities or disability interests.
Providing programs and resources to mothers, fathers and carers across a wide range of topics.
Providing programs and resources to mothers, fathers and carers across a wide range of topics.
Fostering cross-generational connections to cultivate community and personal and professional growth.
Fostering cross-generational connections to cultivate community and personal and professional growth.
Championing and supporting our Latin-American, Spanish-speaking and Hispanic colleague community.
Championing and supporting our Latin-American, Spanish-speaking and Hispanic colleague community.
Fostering diversity and creating a community that promotes awareness of Islamic culture and principles.
Fostering diversity and creating a community that promotes awareness of Islamic culture and principles.
Cultivating a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual or allied colleagues.
Cultivating a supportive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual or allied colleagues.
Presenting information and activities that help bridge the spiritual and practical aspects of life, learning and development from a Christian context.
Presenting information and activities that help bridge the spiritual and practical aspects of life, learning and development from a Christian context.
Supporting colleagues who are either veterans, currently serving in the military or have friends or family in the military.
Supporting colleagues who are either veterans, currently serving in the military or have friends or family in the military.
Providing a voice for American Express virtual colleagues & leaders to maintain a high level of engagement, productivity and satisfaction.
Providing a voice for American Express virtual colleagues & leaders to maintain a high level of engagement, productivity and satisfaction.
Connecting colleagues seeking career development & education, support and mentoring related to the unique diversity women bring to the workplace.
Connecting colleagues seeking career development & education, support and mentoring related to the unique diversity women bring to the workplace.
Creating a gender intelligent culture that attracts, retains and develops women’s technical talent to achieve their career aspirations and goals.
Creating a gender intelligent culture that attracts, retains and develops women’s technical talent to achieve their career aspirations and goals.
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“One of the best experiences I’ve had with BEN [Black Engagement Network] was the Leadership PODs, a mentoring initiative that pairs Black executives with a group of BEN members throughout the year.
For me, this links to the importance of elevating future Black talent, especially Black colleagues who struggle with a sense of belonging.
I’m conscious of the opportunities I’ve been afforded and the leaders who’ve helped me throughout my tenure here.”
Colleague Since '11
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“I joined DAN [Disability Awareness Network] to help give a voice to those with disabilities and am most excited about creating a place for those with disabilities to feel like they belong at American Express.
Some disabilities are visible while others are invisible, so it is important to be mindful and patient with all.
Being patient not only helps those with disabilities but is the humane action to take.”
Colleague Since '18