In this project, our team collaborated with the Cincinnati Zoo to support and improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, specifically within their recruitment strategies. Our goal was to help the Zoo attract a more diverse applicant pool and build a stronger pipeline of underrepresented talent. We began by analyzing their current hiring practices, reviewing job postings, university partnerships, and the demographic makeup of their workforce. We also benchmarked their efforts against DEI best practices used by similar organizations in the nonprofit and education sectors.

Through our analysis, we identified several opportunities for improvement, including the need to deepen community outreach and expand access to early-career opportunities. One of our key recommendations was to strengthen ties with the University of Cincinnati, which has a diverse student population and strong programs in fields aligned with the Zoo’s mission. We proposed the creation of tailored internship and co-op programs aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as hosting informational sessions and campus events to build awareness of career paths within the organization.

This project emphasized the real-world importance of inclusive hiring and gave me practical experience in applying DEI principles to organizational strategy. It also sharpened my skills in stakeholder communication, strategic planning, and the use of data to support equitable outcomes in human resources. Overall, the experience reinforced my passion for building workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.