KeyAnna Schmiedl
Global Head of Culture & Inclusion
Wayfair
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
Industry: e-Commerce
CEO: Niraj Shah
Website: www.wayfair.com/about
Her Credentials: BS, human services & MBA, human resources, Fitchburg State University
Her Philosophy: We know that our unique perspectives make us stronger, smarter, and well positioned for success. We value and rely on the collective voices of our community to help us build a better Wayfair—and world. Every voice, every perspective matters. Embedding DEI principles into Wayfair practices allows the organization to take full advantage of the ideas, suggestions, and feedback unique to our diverse and talented workforce.
In just 18 months, KeyAnna has established the DEI function at Wayfair, driven our focus on data transparency, rewritten our core People Principles, structured our ERGs, and placed DEI at the forefront of everything we do.
In 2020, the DEI team spearheaded the launch of a company-wide DEI Council to build and sustain an inclusive culture, and co-created new DEI training for recruiters to increase diversity in candidate pools. The team elevated Wayfair’s DEI tracking and measurement, focusing on data transparency and leveraging data to understand the current state of DEI and inform training. And partnering with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the team supported the rollout of a program that doubled employee donation matching and a day of service, leading to more than $900,000 in donations to organizations that support ending racism, hatred, and violence.
In 2021, through cross-functional partnerships, the DEI team will continue to create strategies and identify initiatives to increase diversity in the talent we recruit, develop, and promote. These efforts will foster an inclusive environment that encourages all employees to bring their authentic selves to the workplace, propelling the innovative potential of the organization. Using qualitative and quantitative analysis to identify levers to create equitable outcomes, Wayfair will strategically build a best-in-class culture.
