Wells Fargo, a leading global financial services company, has announced the launch of its Transgender Persons Hiring Program in India, further expanding its diversity and inclusion initiatives. The program, which builds on the success of a 2022 pilot project, seeks to create a more inclusive workplace by actively recruiting and training transgender individuals across various business functions.
The pilot, which initially hired 13 transgender individuals for Wells Fargo’s technology division, has now evolved into a larger initiative aiming to recruit and develop talent in multiple lines of business by 2024. The program’s main objective is to provide employability skills training and professional development to transgender persons, empowering them to build fulfilling careers within the organization.
Uday Odedra, Executive Vice President and Region Head of Wells Fargo India & Philippines emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “Investing in diverse communities to upskill and unlock potential while setting up the right environment for success is a critical focus area for Wells Fargo.”
Wells Fargo currently sponsors 30 transgender individuals in partnership with PeriFerry, a community organization dedicated to empowering the transgender community. This collaboration focuses on enhancing employment opportunities and building a robust talent pipeline within the company.
“By offering meaningful employment and professional opportunities to transgender individuals, we are not only enhancing our workforce diversity but also driving a culture of inclusion that everyone can thrive in,” said Sneha Suresh, Executive Director, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leader at Wells Fargo India & Philippines.
The company’s commitment to inclusivity goes beyond hiring. Wells Fargo has been conducting sensitization and awareness sessions with community partners like PeriFerry to ensure the work environment remains welcoming and supportive for all employees. These efforts help foster understanding, respect, and a sense of belonging for transgender employees across the organization.
Wells Fargo’s active Pride Connection Employee Resource Network (ERN) also plays a pivotal role in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The ERN advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ employees, customers, and allies through reverse mentoring, visible allyship, and engagement with senior leadership. The network organizes regular events such as rainbow conversations, floor huddles, and training sessions to promote day-to-day inclusivity within the company.
