Advanced Group, the professional services organization, announced today that it is the first company to work toward earning AdaMarie Approved status, via a data-driven assessment that recognizes organizations for excellence in workplace equity for women in STEM.

Launching this year, AdaMarie is the first organization taking a 360-degree approach to closing opportunity gaps for women in STEM. Founded by a team of award-winning analysts, industry leaders, and researchers, AdaMarie takes a holistic approach to addressing the needs of both employees and employers in the STEM ecosystem. Their AdaMarie Approved assessment model recognizes cultural levers that can be adjusted to counter the biases that impact underrepresented groups of all backgrounds. AdaMarie will assess Advanced Group across nearly 200 indicators of employee experience and equity-centered best practices.

“We’re so impressed with the time, effort, and candor behind Advanced Group’s commitment to achieving this benchmark,” said AdaMarie’s Director of Equity Consulting, Sara Sanford. “They’re not just interested in how to maintain their culture as they grow; they’re more interested in how to evolve their culture as they grow.”

AdaMarie’s CEO Rebecca Tierney adds, “Advanced Group exemplifies the kind of commitment, transparency, and accountability that are crucial to centering equity and inclusion. They clearly know that prioritizing this is both the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do.”

As part of the assessment process, the AdaMarie team will be identifying specific gaps in employee experiences and opportunities to optimize practices and policies to ensure equitable career flows for all employees. In partnership with Advanced Group’s leadership team, AdaMarie will tailor an action plan and change management program for closing these gaps and adopting best practices.

“Led by insights and data, AdaMarie helps organizations go beyond intent to take action,” explains Victoria Hill, Advanced Group’s Director of Diversity and Social Impact. “This partnership represents dedicated action toward achieving our DEI goals and more importantly, action toward creating an inclusive workplace.”

Advanced Group’s CEO, Leo Sheridan, added, “As the first company taking part in this assessment, we hope to set a shining example to our peers in staffing, professional services, and beyond. I look forward to empowering all employees at Advanced Group to become champions for change and continuing to drive real, lasting and systemic change in company culture.”

About Advanced Group

Advanced Group brings together Advanced Clinical, Advanced RPO, Catena Solutions, and WunderLand Group. They started in 1988 as a small but mighty Chicago-based staffing agency and over the last few decades have expanded their reach and expertise into new markets and geographies. Operating across North America, Europe, and Asia, Advanced Group serves their clients and talent across professional disciplines such as technology, finance & accounting, digital marketing, creative services, human resources, office & operations, clinical development, healthcare, contingent & permanent staffing solutions, talent acquisition & management, consulting, outsourcing, professional services, and supply chain transformations. Their leadership team brings together industry experts who lead by example and make Advanced Group a best-in-class, award winning organization.