Republic Bank was honored by the American Bankers Association as the recipient of its 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award in the Innovative Incentive category for the Bank's creative initiatives to enable transformation within the company.

"We are honored to be recognized and receive this award from the ABA," said Ashley Duncan, VP, Director of Inclusion & Diversity at Republic Bank. "Republic Bank's Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) program uses a people-first approach to create an inclusive organization where all our associates can thrive. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, religion or physical ability."

Republic was recognized on Sept. 12 during the virtual 2024 ABA DEI Summit, cohosted with Virginia Bankers Association and Maryland Bankers Association.

"These financial institutions and individuals have worked to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for their employees, customers and communities every day," said Cathy Nestrick, ABA's VP of Women's Leadership & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Led by Duncan, the Republic Bank I&D program enhances the wellbeing of associates, clients and the community through various measures, including developing engaging educational resources and learning opportunities, and actively creating spaces that empower everyone to be their authentic selves.

Republic's I&D program leverages data and increases Business Resource Group (BRG) engagement opportunities. The Bank's BRGs are associate-led, voluntary groups that foster networking, attract diverse talent and contribute ideas and solutions. These groups bring together associates who share common interests, experiences or backgrounds, along with allies who support them.

To gauge success of the program, Duncan and her team developed the I&D Snapshot Dashboard, an innovative tool that was implemented to bring multiple datapoints together to tell the story of progress, success and accountability. When paired with leadership development opportunities, the tool can enhance a bank leader's expertise and model behavior to other executive leaders, as well as identify areas of possible implicit bias within the organization.