Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Work Group
NERC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Work Group brings together members committed to advancing inclusive leadership, hiring, and retention practices within the sustainable materials management industry. This group is open to NERC members interested in contributing their time and expertise to support more equitable and inclusive practices across the industry. View NERC's other committees and workgroups,
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COMMITTEE CHAIR
Jessica Levine, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, The Recycling Partnership
FORMED
This committee was formed in the spring of 2022 and transitioned into a work group in the winter of 2025.
MEETINGS
This work group convenes as needed.
GOAL - GUIDEBOOK DEVELOPMENT
The group’s primary focus is to collaboratively develop NERC’s DEI Industry Leadership Guidebook.
- The guidebook will be a practical, action-oriented resource to support organizations in strengthening recruitment, workforce development, retention, and organizational culture through a DEI lens. Members will help shape the guide by sharing experiences, reviewing drafts, and contributing best practices from across the public and private sectors.
- The work group will meet until the guidebook is completed, at which point meetings will conclude.
RESOURCES
DE&I Mission Statement
NERC works to minimize waste, conserve natural resources, and advance a sustainable economy through facilitated collaboration and action. We are dedicated to representing our diverse world while fostering equitable access to effective sustainable materials management. We are committed to building a culture based on the values of equity, respect, accountability, and trust rooted in our organizational decision-making, programs and operations, and the communities we serve.
DE&I Training Series
From December 2021 - March 2022, NERC and partners offered a national – virtual – four-part training series on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) for those working in recycling and solid waste industries. The Trainings were free and open to anyone attending. The Training series included presentations, discussions, and sharing of resources about:
- Making the Case for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Recognizing & Addressing Unconscious Bias
- Creating a DE&I Path
- Engaging with Diverse Communities
Interested in joining? Email Mariane Medeiros at mariane@nerc.org to inquire.
