Advancing Equity and Inclusion During National Hispanic Heritage Month

Centene celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as we spotlight our Hispanic employees and leaders that advance our steadfast commitment to further equity and inclusion in the workplace and communities where we live, work, and serve.

Nearly one-third of Centene’s members are from Hispanic and Latinx communities, representing more than eight million members. In addition, more than 16 percent of Centene employees identify as Hispanic or Latinx. Centene works with local organizations and providers to drive change and improve health outcomes for these communities who often lack access to culturally competent care. In addition, we advocate for our members to address racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare.

Hispanic and Latinx communities continue to face disproportionate adverse health and economic impacts from COVID-19 – even while representing more than 60 million individuals across the U.S. To help address this issue, the Centene Charitable Foundation pledged to match the first $1 million in corporate donations to the Hispanic Family Equity Fund. The fund assists Hispanic families in post-pandemic recovery. This donation comes at a time when less than 2% of philanthropic dollars are invested in Hispanic-serving organizations.

Centene Chairman and CEO Michael Neidorff and Chief Communications Officer Marcela Manjarrez Hawn recently called on Fortune 1000 companies to contribute to the initiative and play an active role in reducing systemic inequities that have challenged the Hispanic community. “We now have an opportunity and a responsibility to address the inequities that are inflicting and affecting our Hispanic brothers and sisters,” said Centene Chairman and CEO Michael Neidorff. “We have been given a clear opportunity to close the well-being gap faced by far too many Hispanic Americans, our nation’s largest minority group. It is our time to invest in change.”

“The Hispanic Family Equity Fund is one of several ways Centene supports Hispanic communities, including our strategic partnership with the National Hispanic Medical Association,” said Ms. Manjarrez Hawn. “Centene also advances Hispanic organizations throughout the country through sponsorships and volunteer opportunities. We hold a deep responsibility to the Hispanic and Latinx community and the individuals we serve.”

With additional emphasis during the next 30 days, Centene’s multicultural Employee Inclusion Group MOSAIC will host special events to ensure Centene employees have an opportunity to learn and grow as well as be celebrated. In addition, Centene’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team and MOSAIC created an employee resource guide spotlighting Hispanic and Latinx communities to foster employee learning this month.

“Centene holds a strong commitment to our diverse communities and particularly to our employees who serve our most vulnerable individuals,” said Ms. Manjarrez Hawn. “We are truly grateful to be in a position to make change, drive better healthcare access and outcomes, and create a better world for the next generation.”