19 Nov Quote 2 Fund Executive Helps Lead Award-winning Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

11/13/2015

Hezekiah Herrera, Chief Communications Officer at Quote 2 Fund Chairs Diversity Committee at the award-winning Public Relations Society of America San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter

The San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), was nationally recognized its for outstanding efforts in advancing diversity initiatives.

Hezekiah Herrera, APR, Chief Communications Officer at the business financing marketplace and platform Quote 2 Fund, was elected to PRSA SD/IC’s board of directors last year and leads the organization’s Diversity Committee.

“On a daily basis, Mr. Herrera promotes the development of mutually beneficial relationships between our company and our stakeholders,” says Quote 2 Fund founder Jules Dalsey. “It comes as no surprise, that he is helping other organizations do the same.”

Regarding diversity at Quote 2 Fund, Dalsey had this to say: “There’s no question that we have attracted some of the most talented and rising stars in the financial technology industry.” A look at Quote 2 Fund’s recruitment program and organizational chart reveals a company that understands the value of a diverse workforce.

The Chapter was honored for year-long initiatives that bring awareness to the value of embracing diversity as a smart business practice. The PRSA SD/IC Diversity Committee developed a Two-Year Strategic Plan for Diversity and Inclusion, which included the establishment of a notable annual flagship event known as the San Diego Diversity Mixer, an early educational outreach program, and strategic internal structural changes to the organization.

“Changing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors for and toward diversity is perhaps the most challenging of obstacles to overcome. This is and has been the case when it comes to winning the support of leaders within any organization,” says Hezekiah Herrera, APR. “While, at the surface, D&I appears to be a simple undertaking but, it is still a historically challenging feat in early stages of development.”

“We learned that a multidimensional definition of diversity is necessary to earn buy-in and develop any organization from a purposeful organization that believes that diversity is a good thing to an advanced level of competency that will incorporate diversity and inclusion into everything it does,” advises Herrera.

“Ultimately, successful D&I initiatives and programs, like all movements begin with just a few passionate people. In this case, last year’s board of directors demonstrated their commitment to empowering the Diversity Chair role by making it a part of the board.”

The award was presented at the PRSA 2015 International Conference held November 8-10 in Atlanta, Georgia.