Top 10 People-First Companies to Apply to in 2025
At Aerodei, we champion organizations that put their people first, fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth. Our platform celebrates inclusive behaviors, tracks organizational impact, and highlights leaders driving transformative workplace change.
This year, we’re recognizing ten exemplary companies that prioritize inclusion, learning, and development at all levels. These organizations demonstrate that investing in people not only fuels business success but also creates thriving, collaborative environments where employees can excel.
While no organization is without its challenges, these trailblazers are redefining what it means to lead with purpose and intention.
1. FanDuel (Sports Betting & Gaming)
Leaders to Watch: Keita Young (Vice President, DEI), Amy Howe (Chief Executive Officer), Caralyn Cooley (Chief People Officer)
FanDuel embodies inclusion at scale. Leaders like Keita Young, Amy Howe, and Caralyn Cooley have cultivated a workplace culture where every voice matters. Their compassionate and strategic approach to leadership empowers employees and promotes collaboration, making FanDuel a standout in putting people first.
2. UCare (Healthcare Insurance)
Leaders to Watch: Joy Marsh (VP, Equity & Inclusion), Hilary Marden-Resnik (Chief Executive Officer), Dan Santos (Chief Legal Officer)
UCare exemplifies purpose-driven leadership under the guidance of Joy Marsh, Hilary Marden-Resnik, Dan Santos. Their unwavering focus on inclusion, belonging, and employee development creates an environment where individuals thrive and grow, setting a high bar for leadership excellence.
https://www.ucare.org/about-us/careers
3. NTT DATA North America (Technology & Consulting)
Leaders to Watch: Terri Hatcher (Chief D&I Officer), Valeri Wickersham (VP, HR), Jennifer McKellar (HR Business Partner)
Terri, Valeri, and Jennifer lead the charge in fostering a strong sense of community at NTT DATA. Their dedication to inclusive leadership and employee growth has made the company a leader in tech, showcasing what it means to develop talent at every level.
4. PTC Therapeutics (Biotechnology & Healthcare)
Leaders to Watch: Pamela Zapata (Director, Global Equality, Diversity & Inclusion), Milton Velez (Associate Manager, Global ED&I Business Partner)
Pamela and Milton are champions for equality, diversity, and inclusion driving meaningful progress within PTC Therapeutics. Their commitment to creating growth opportunities for employees and fostering an inclusive culture makes them standout leaders in the healthcare industry.
https://www.ptcbio.com/careers/
5. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) (Insurance)
Leader to Watch: Evelyn Boswell (Chief Officer, Foundation Initiatives)
Under Evelyn Boswell’s visionary leadership, NAIC has made significant strides in advancing inclusion within the insurance sector. Her focus on fostering inclusive practices and empowering employees has set a new standard for equity in the industry.
https://content.naic.org/about/careersz
6. Anthesis (Sustainability & Consulting)
Leaders to Watch: Rebecca Pashley-Robinson (Global Head of People), Laura Whyte (Global Employee Engagement Lead)
Rebecca and Laura are redefining employee well-being at Anthesis, ensuring Employee Resource Networks (ERNs) have the structure and support they need to thrive and succeed.
https://www.anthesisgroup.com/careers/
7. CDW (Technology & IT Solutions)
Leaders to Watch: Keith Sanders (VP, DEI & Talent Engineering), Tamara Fletcher (Director of DEI Advancement)
Keith and Tamara are empowering CDW employees by equipping them with the tools and resources to champion inclusion, fostering a workplace where everyone can contribute and succeed.
8. Aspen Institute (Nonprofit & Education)
Leader to Watch: Miecha Ranea Forbes (VP, People & Culture)
Miecha is transforming the Aspen Institute by providing tailored tools and sessions that help employees achieve success, creating an environment that encourages growth and collaboration.
https://www.aspeninstitute.org/careers/career-opportunities/
9. JD Finish Line (Retail & Sportswear)
Leader to Watch: Gregory Muckerson (Director, Cultural Integrity & People Equity)
Gregory is advancing JD Finish Line’s ERG initiatives by offering personal development opportunities, enabling employees to grow and advance within the organization.
10. Kickstarter (Crowdfunding & Technology)
Leaders to Watch: Tarveen Forrester (VP of People), Everette Taylor (CEO)
Tarveen and Everette are embedding inclusion into every facet of Kickstarter’s practices. By fostering a supportive and opportunity-rich environment, they empower their internal community to achieve excellence.
These organizations and their leaders are setting the stage for what it means to lead with empathy, intention, and innovation. Are you ready to join them in shaping the future of work?
For more insights on measuring and rewarding inclusive behaviors in your organization, visit Aerodei, explore how we empower organizations to transform their workplace cultures for the better, and request a demo today.
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