From Finance to DEIB: Layla Ramirez’s Path to Creating Equitable Workplaces

Layla Ramirez, the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at Justworks, has built a career dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces. Her journey from financial services to DEIB leadership highlights her commitment to creating equitable environments. Here we explore Ramirez’s background, career path, and impactful work at Justworks, providing valuable insights for DEI and HR professionals.

Early Career and Background

Ramirez’s career began with ambitions of becoming an attorney, interning at WilmerHale and DayPitney during high school and her first year at Smith College. However, she later pivoted her career plans to economics, exploring asset management with Wellington Management and wealth management through INROADS.

“I developed my analytical, client relationship management, and communication skills,” Ramirez reflects. These skills were further honed during her four years at Merrill Lynch in the Global Wealth & Investment Management Division. “The experiences I had laid the groundwork for navigating my career into DEIB thereafter,” she explains.

Feeling a disconnect between her work and personal values at Merrill Lynch, Ramirez transitioned to the social sector, joining Management Leadership for Tomorrow. “This was my introduction to DEIB-related work,” she recalls. Her role there led to her first official DEIB position at Danaher Corporation, where she designed strategies and coached C-level executives.

Subsequent roles at Netflix and Amazon Web Services (AWS) allowed Ramirez to build and scale DEIB programs. “Pushing DEIB initiatives forward in these larger organizations provided me with the opportunity to test and learn effectively,” she shares. In 2021, Ramirez joined Justworks, drawn by the opportunity to build DEIB initiatives from the ground up.

DEIB at Justworks

At Justworks, DEIB is woven into the fabric of the company’s operations and strategy. “DEIB is a critical lens every team at Justworks keeps top of mind,” Ramirez explains. The company boasts nine Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that provide a supportive community for employees with shared backgrounds or interests, such as working parents, LGBTQ+ employees, and multicultural groups.

Justworks’ ERGs have directly influenced company policies, such as expanding family leave and creating dedicated quiet areas in the office, Ramirez says. Additionally, Justworks has launched initiatives like Justworks.org, aimed at supporting Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE).

The company also emphasizes continued education and development through a tailored curriculum for all employees. “We designed this curriculum so that there is something for every Justworker to plug into, no matter what phase of their journey they’re in,” says Ramirez. In 2023, Justworks released its first Impact Update, publicly sharing data about its DEIB efforts, social impact initiatives, and sustainability programs to hold itself accountable to its goals.

Supporting Diverse Workers

Justworks is committed to supporting its diverse workforce through tailored professional development programs, flexible work arrangements, and access to mental health resources.

“Our benefits package meets the modern workforce where they are in an inclusive way,” Ramirez highlights. The company partners with organizations like Kindbody and Talkspace to provide comprehensive fertility and mental health services. Justworks also has robust systems in place to support employees facing discrimination or bias, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment.

“We aim to help support our workers by listening to what they are telling us about their experiences,” Ramirez emphasizes. This feedback-driven approach allows Justworks to continually improve its policies and practices.

The company’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity, advocating for diverse employees, and influencing company policies. “Our ERGs provide a platform for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for their communities,” says Ramirez, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating an environment where all employees feel valued and supported.

Recruitment and Hiring Practices  

Recruiting diverse talent is a cornerstone of Justworks’ DEI strategy. “We create inclusive job descriptions by using language that appeals to a broad audience, focusing on essential skills, and avoiding unnecessary qualifications,” Ramirez explains.

The company also leverages diverse sourcing channels and partners with external diversity recruiting platforms to broaden its talent pool. “Our employee referral program also encourages referrals of diverse candidates,” Ramirez adds.

Justworks minimizes bias in the hiring process through structured interviews and diverse interview panels. “We provide interview training for all hiring managers and work closely with our People and Legal teams to ensure compliance with current legal standards supporting equitable hiring decisions,” Ramirez says. This comprehensive approach ensures that Justworks attracts, evaluates, and hires top diverse talent, fostering an inclusive and dynamic work culture. “Our goal is to create a hiring process that not only brings in diverse talent but also supports their growth and retention within the company,” she adds.

Building an Inclusive Culture

Creating an inclusive culture at Justworks involves leadership commitment, policy revisions, and continuous employee engagement. “We set clear, measurable goals for diversity at all levels of the organization,” says Ramirez.

Leadership plays a crucial role, with executives actively sponsoring DEIB initiatives. “We encourage open dialogues about diversity and inclusion and have established safe spaces for these conversations,” she adds. Justworks celebrates various cultural events and provides ongoing education on DEIB topics.

“Developing a more inclusive culture involved extensive training and education for all employees, revising our policies to eliminate any biases, and ensuring our leadership team is diverse,” Ramirez notes. These efforts ensure that Justworks continually evolves to meet the needs of its diverse workforce, creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. “Inclusion is about more than just policies; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard,” Ramirez emphasizes.

Layla Ramirez’s journey from financial services to becoming the Director of DEIB at Justworks is a testament to her dedication and passion for fostering inclusive workplaces. Her strategic approach to recruitment, commitment to continuous learning, and emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive culture provide valuable insights for DEI and HR professionals.

Ramirez’s work at Justworks highlights the importance of leadership commitment, open communication, and policy innovation in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her experience and strategies serve as a roadmap for building more inclusive and equitable workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.

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