Pledging to do the Work - Milliken Signs the CEO Action Pledge

“Together we strive” isn’t just the beginning of Milliken's purpose. It is a dedication to building a better future.

We recognize the value diverse perspectives and experiences bring to our work as a global manufacturer, which is why Milliken fosters a culture where associates can bring their authentic selves to work each day. Creating this trusting environment where all are welcome and associates feel empowered to be themselves takes intentional effort. But it is an effort well worth undertaking.

The foundation of our inclusion initiative is our commitment to the CEO Action pledge. Helmed by CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, the pledge brings together CEOs from across business sectors to inspire bold action and drive change at scale. CEO Action is the largest business-led initiative to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with more than 2,500 CEO signatories publicly committed.

Our President and CEO Halsey Cook signed the pledge in 2019, ushering in a new season of courageous work and conversations to advance inclusion in the workplace. “Wherever you’re from, whatever race or ethnicity you are, however you identify, whoever your partner is, we want you to be able to come and find a home at Milliken,” shared Halsey, and these words are a north star for the DEI work we’re doing across our company.

By signing this pledge, we agree to:

• Cultivate environments that support open dialogue on complex—and often difficult—conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Implement and expand unconscious bias education and training;
• Share best-known diversity, equity, and inclusion programs/initiatives—as well as those that have been unsuccessful; and
• Engage boards of directors when developing and evaluating diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

As part of our annual sustainability report, we report on the inclusion commitments we have made. We know each year will provide new opportunities to grow our understanding and learn from dialogues around us. The CEO Action pledge is a key way we engage with other organizations to bring about a lasting impact through our DEI efforts.