Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) believes diversity, equity and inclusion are an integral part of their success. Headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, the nation’s largest refiner says inclusion is a core value and serves as a guiding principle for the organization, shaping every aspect of the employee experience.
EMBRACING DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
“Embracing diversity, equity and inclusion is the right thing to do and contributes to our company’s success,” said Jaime De La Cruz, MPC human resources director, midstream operations. “When our employees feel comfortable being their true selves at work, they perform better, and when our teams are diverse, our outcomes are stronger.”
The company’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy is built on three key principles: building awareness, increasing representation and ensuring success.
“MPC is making strides in each of these areas across our company, including our Los Angeles Refining Division,” De La Cruz added. “With the help of our six employee networks – Asian, Black, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Veterans and Women – we continue to raise awareness among our workforce on important topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion.”
SERVING THE LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
The company plays an active role in Los Angeles and its surrounding communities. “MPC fully funded the $1.25 million project to construct an all-abilities playground at Dolphin Park in Carson,” said Brad Levi, vice president refining, Los Angeles Refinery. “The playground is a comprehensive, inclusive design allowing children of all abilities to play together. The project was completed in 2020 and was truly a dream come true for this community.”
For more than 25 years, MPC has hosted the Summer Youth Program for high school students from underserved communities. The seven-week paid opportunity is aimed at developing students’ self-confidence and preparing them for future job searches. The program offers a combination of classroom training and hands-on experience working on-site with experienced refinery staff members.
“MPC often hires students as employees or contractors at our facilities after completing the program,” said Levi. “It gives our youth meaningful experiences to start their future careers. By leveraging technology, we were able to continue the program and its benefits in 2020, while implementing COVID-safe practices.”
MPC also recruits diverse talent at UCLA, Cal State Northridge and Cal Poly Pomona, a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), for early career positions, including its internships/co-ops.
SUPPORTING LOCAL VETERANS
Fueled by passion, generosity and a commitment to giving back to local veterans, MPC supports the U.S. VETS Long Beach organization and its efforts to provide resources to homeless veterans with housing and employment services. For more than five years, the company has supported the organization’s Storm Beach 5K/10K Run, Walk, and Roll, the housing programs for homeless veterans and the “honoring those who served” luncheon.
“There are tremendous opportunities for our company to continue to fully embrace diversity, equity and inclusion across our entire workforce,” said De La Cruz. “With the support of our executive leaders, we are consistently making strides in this area, evaluating our progress as a company and engaging in ongoing dialogue to position our company, our people and our communities for greater success.”
Information for this article was provided by Marathon Petroleum Corporation.
