Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Brown Edwards' DEI Initiative

Brown Edwards strives to foster a safe work environment where diversity is welcome and to find ways to attract, develop, and retain exceptional individuals representing the diverse communities where we work and live. Our firm believes we are strongest when we genuinely listen to, and act upon, thoughts and opinions from individuals from all walks of life with different life experiences. Brown Edwards believes this openness leads to a stronger, more vibrant, workplace that will lead to even greater success for the firm and for our associates.

Our firm is taking steps to increase workforce diversity in a number of ways, including recruiting at historically black colleges and universities and on other major university campuses. We also sponsor student visas to allow foreign students the opportunity to work in the public accounting profession in the United States. In addition, Brown Edwards has formed an internal committee to evaluate and ensure that our firm does all we can to facilitate a diverse work environment.

Building an Inclusive Future Together

At BE, we believe our differences make us stronger. We’re committed to fostering an environment where every employee has opportunities to grow, advance, and make meaningful contributions. Our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strengthens our workplace culture, enhances our relationships with partners and clients, and drives innovation through diverse perspectives.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t just a program—it’s fundamental to who we are and how we work. We invite you to be part of our ongoing journey to create a workplace where everyone belongs and thrives.

Our Commitment in Action

Continuous Learning & Development

We invest in comprehensive training programs that empower our team to create an inclusive workplace:

Continuous Learning & Development

Bias Prevention Training
Our conscious and unconscious bias training equips team members with tools to recognize and eliminate discrimination from everyday interactions.

Cultural Competency
We celebrate diverse cultural traditions and foster cross-cultural understanding through educational initiatives and workplace celebrations.

Recruitment & Growth

We're building fair, transparent processes that support diverse talent.

Recruitment Efforts

Bias-Free Hiring
Our recruitment and evaluation processes are continuously refined to eliminate unconscious bias and ensure equal opportunity.

Comprehensive Benefits
We regularly assess and enhance our benefits packages to support diverse lifestyles, family structures, and personal needs.

Accountability & Transparency

We measure our progress and maintain open communication.

Explore the Findings

Regular Assessment
Through employee surveys and data analysis, we track our advancement in DEI education and initiatives.

Communication
Our team receives consistent updates on DEI initiatives, ensuring transparency about our progress and upcoming efforts. We share our journey with prospective employees and clients, so they have a better understanding of who we are as a firm.
It’s a Brown Edwards imperative to embrace diversity, ensure equitable treatment and practice inclusion and it needs to be a focus within public accounting. I’m very pleased that our leadership is strongly supporting this important work. Ensuring that our firm is a place where every team member feels they can bring their true selves to work and where their ideas and individuality are valued, celebrated and supported is extremely important.
Headshot of Partner Leslie Roberts
Leslie Roberts
DEI Committee Leader
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Meet Our Committee Members

Leslie F. Roberts

DEI Committee Leader

Leslie F. Roberts

DEI Committee Leader

Amy Kirk

DEI Committee Member

Amy Kirk

DEI Committee Member

Annika Behnke

DEI Committee Member

Annika Behnke

DEI Committee Member

Joshua Graves

DEI Committee Member

Joshua Graves

DEI Committee Member

Kristin Holland

DEI Committee Member

Kristin Holland

DEI Committee Member

Laura Sprouse

DEI Committee Member

Laura Sprouse

DEI Committee Member

Lisa Gibson

DEI Committee Member

Lisa Gibson

DEI Committee Member

Travis Gilmer

DEI Committee Member

Travis Gilmer

DEI Committee Member

Cecilia Viara-Scott

DEI Committee Member

Cecilia Viara-Scott

DEI Committee Member

Meet the Team

Leslie F Roberts, CPA

Partner

Leslie F Roberts, CPA

Partner

Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA

Partner

Valerie R. Ellis, CPA, CGMA

Partner

Brown Edwards Certified Public Accountants

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