Our Commitments

Our equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) journey

Ruby’s work community is a blend of cultures, genders, ethnicities, and self-identities that we proudly celebrate. We’re committed to creating a welcoming, accepting, and engaging environment for every person.

Our unique culture stems from all Rubys at every level taking ownership to foster a diverse community where people feel valued, respected, seen, and heard. We believe achieving this goal requires everyone’s active and daily participation. We’ve implemented a company-wide Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion strategy, furthering our efforts to create an inclusive work environment. This is an ever-evolving process, and the work is never done.

We acknowledge we’ve made mistakes on our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion journey. However, we are committed as a company, an executive leadership team, and as an employee base to continue to challenge ourselves to be a more inclusive Ruby. We hope you take a few minutes to learn more about where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are headed on our EDI journey.

A breakdown of Ruby’s long-term EDI-related focus areas:

Evolve our equity, diversity, and inclusion

Company culture is one of the most important aspects of a thriving business. Our culture will thrive most when our Rubys can bring their whole selves to work and still experience a profound sense of belonging. We view our future Rubys as “cultural adds,” not “cultural fits.” Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will be at the center of our strategies, policies, procedures, and every aspect of our business.

Increase BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented groups’ representation at all levels of Ruby

“You can’t be what you can’t see.”

Martin Wright Edelman

A thriving business and community aren’t complete without true representation. Ruby’s culture will thrive because of that representation. Every part of our organization will genuinely reflect the world around us. We will use demographic metrics for tracking, accountability, and goal setting. Representation standards will be established for our Board and Executive Team, as well as our extended leadership teams. And diverse hiring panels and expanded hiring pools will be our norm. We will be a destination in the tech world (and beyond) for underrepresented and historically excluded folx.

Continue EDI education throughout organization

Learning and Development is an essential part of EDI work and will be at the core of what we do. Our leaders will be equipped with a wealth of resources and knowledge which they’ll utilize to inform their management styles as it pertains to our business decisions and company culture. Budget continues to be earmarked specifically for EDI Learning and Development and quarterly EDI-focused meetings occur with Ruby leadership. Sessions deemed essential will be required learning for all Rubys.

Recognize, promote, compensate, and administer benefits equitably

The well-being of our Rubys will always be the major factor in our decision-making process. Our environment will be free from the structures of dominant culture. We use a framework and tools designed to inform organizational change to ensure each of our Rubys have equitable access and opportunity. A targeted mentorship program for minoritized Rubys, more comprehensive and inclusive benefits options, and transparent pay equity are some of the ways this is taking shape at Ruby.

Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion in our community through philanthropy, on the ground support, and amplifying voices

“Earning our words” will take shape here more than in any of our other focuses. Ruby has the platform, resources, and passionate team members to help create real change in our local communities. We’ll use our platform to elevate organizations and thought leaders that align with our Social Justice Platform and our Vision & Mission. As an early member of Portland Means Progress, Ruby routinely joins forces with other Portland-based businesses to use our collective platform for good—an example of this is our commitment to the Intentional Purchasing Program, holding us accountable to dispersing our resources and diversifying our vendor mix in an equitable way. And, Rubys will roll up our sleeves and show up for our communities by lending a helping hand, raising funds, packaging donations, and simply showing up—at ERG-led community initiatives and more.