Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Create a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment and community.
A Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I)
Bridgewater Bank recognizes that different perspectives enhance our thinking and improve our team members’ experience by bringing together unique backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. With operations centered in the Twin Cities market, we are committed to doing our part to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and our broader community.
DE&I Overview
DE&I Policy
In 2024, Bridgewater adopted a DE&I Policy supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and cultivating a workplace that values each individual. This includes a focus on equality in employment, inclusive culture, and community engagement.
Together with our Human Rights Policy, which was also adopted in 2024, we remain dedicated to a workplace that respects, values and supports all team members.
DE&I Committee
In 2019, Bridgewater Bank established a DE&I Committee which aims to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diversity of our team members and communities in which we live and work. The committee is made up of 10 team members from various levels and functions across the organization. It is organized around three themes aimed at fostering diversity awareness among team members by way of education, communication, and service within our community.
DE&I Book Club
In 2024, the DE&I Committee hosted its fourth annual Book Club featuring Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. Nearly 40 team members participated, engaging in thoughtful discussions around themes of resilience, empowerment, cultural identity, and the impact of political upheaval on personal lives. This year’s selection built on the foundation of past Book Clubs, which featured Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho, and The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis.
Featured Holidays
Each month, the DEI Committee strives to internally communicate and recognize diverse events and holidays in an effort to increase our cultural knowledge and create a more inclusive work environment for all of our team members. This is done through educating our team members about various holidays and how these holidays are observed. The benefits are endless – from creating more productive relationships to making more insightful decisions.
Below are the holidays we are recognizing this month:
- Mental Health Awareness Month - 1st- 31st
- Cinco de Mayo - 5th
- Vesak (Buddha Day) - 12th
- Malcolm X Day - 19th
- Memorial Day - 26th
In 2024, the Committee hosted six branch activations to promote awareness and appreciation of diverse holidays through immersive, hands-on experiences. These activations highlighted Mardi Gras, Passover, Autism Pride, Obon Festival, Halloween, and Yalda, inviting participants to delve into the rich histories and cultural significance of each celebration.
All-Team Diversity Training
The DE&I Committee hosted Joelle Allen of Interaction Traction to discuss awareness and education around identifying unconscious biases and common pitfalls in everyday interactions during an All-Team Meeting in November 2024. Joelle’s discussion emphasized practical strategies for cultivating an inclusive mindset across all levels of the organization
Workplace Diversity
At Bridgewater, we recognize that our team members bring distinctive perspectives to their roles every day, shaping the culture of our organization and enabling us to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We take pride in the diversity that enriches our workforce today.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains on attracting and retaining exceptional talent that aligns with our unconventional corporate culture. Cultivating and sustaining a diverse workforce is a cornerstone of this effort. We are dedicated to fostering diversity and awareness by identifying and supporting impactful training programs, recruitment strategies, employee resource groups, and community partnerships.
Women in Leadership
Bridgewater has demonstrated an ability to hire, retain and promote talented women throughout the organization, including in leadership roles. These women are being recognized for the leadership in the banking industry.
In 2023, Bridgewater hosted a “Brunch & Learn” to celebrate the women of the Bank. The event featured two insightful sessions geared toward women in the workplace: one centered on strengthening one’s voice and the other on balancing career and motherhood.
DE&I in the Community
Corporate Work Study Program with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Each of the past three years, Bridgewater has partnered with Cristo Rey Jesuit High School on the Corporate Work Study Program, which provides students with an educational experience through regular work assignments in a professional corporate setting. The program supports workforce development challenges by advancing diverse candidates with the social and technical skills to perform the jobs of our knowledge-based economy.
As part of the program, Bridgewater has employed Cristo Rey students in Human Resources, Facilities and Deposit Services roles. The program has benefited Bridgewater by bringing new perspectives to the workplace and creating a pipeline for future talent acquisition.
Twin Cities Pride Beer Dabbler
Ten Bridgewater team members celebrated pride at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in June 2024, with complementary tickets provided by Bridgewater. Twin Cities Pride empowers every LGBTQ+ person to live as their true self as we value and celebrate pride throughout Minnesota.