Following the tragic event of George Floyd's murder, Wanda Solutions was tasked by the British Red Cross to devise a strategic and actionable plan aimed at enhancing staff diversity within a department that was predominantly white and middle-class. This project marked Wanda Solutions' inaugural venture into addressing diversity and inclusivity at such a critical and poignant time.

One of the pivotal recommendations made by Wanda Solutions, which was promptly adopted by the British Red Cross, was the implementation of a living wage for interns. This strategic move was not only about ensuring fairness in compensation but also about widening the pool of potential applicants to include those from more diverse backgrounds who may not have been able to afford to work as unpaid interns. The immediate effect of this change was the attraction of a more diverse group of candidates for the internship positions, out of which two were selected, showcasing a tangible step towards the organization's diversity goals.

The success of this initiative and the positive impact it had on the British Red Cross's efforts to diversify its workforce led to widespread recognition and accolades for Wanda Solutions. By directly addressing the economic barriers that limit access to internship opportunities, Wanda Solutions demonstrated a profound understanding of the systemic changes needed to foster true inclusivity and diversity. This initiative underscores the importance of practical, strategic measures in creating opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, and exemplifies Wanda Solutions' commitment to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) sought to understand the challenges in retaining and enabling the success of staff from diverse backgrounds within their organization. In response, they enlisted Wanda Solutions to conduct an in-depth investigation into this critical issue. Wanda Keenan, leveraging her extensive expertise in strategic planning and diversity initiatives, spearheaded this project to uncover the root causes and propose actionable solutions.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Wanda Solutions identified several key factors contributing to the disparity in retention and advancement rates of diverse employees at PwC. The findings highlighted a need for more inclusive policies, targeted support systems, and a cultural shift towards embracing and nurturing diversity at all levels of the organization.

Drawing from these insights, Wanda Solutions developed a comprehensive 12-month strategic plan aimed at addressing these challenges head-on. The plan outlined a series of initiatives, including mentorship programs tailored for employees from underrepresented groups, diversity training for all staff to foster an inclusive workplace culture, and transparent career progression paths to ensure equal growth opportunities for everyone.

One of the standout recommendations was the establishment of internal affinity groups to provide a supportive community and platform for diverse employees to voice their concerns and aspirations. Additionally, the plan emphasized the importance of leadership accountability in driving and sustaining these changes.

The practicality and thoughtfulness of the 12-month plan received high commendation from PwC. It was recognized not only for its potential to significantly improve the working environment for staff from diverse backgrounds but also for setting a precedent in the industry for how organizations can proactively address diversity and inclusion. PwC's commitment to implementing the recommendations from Wanda Solutions exemplified their dedication to becoming a leader in creating a truly inclusive workplace, where every employee has the opportunity to thrive. The success of this initiative reinforced Wanda Solutions' reputation as a visionary in the field of organizational change and diversity enhancement.

The development of the Keenan SMID Framework (KSF) by Wanda Solutions represents a pivotal advancement in the pursuit of embedding Social Mobility, Inclusivity, and Diversity (SMID) within corporate structures and cultures. This innovative framework, conceived and executed through a collaborative effort with major corporations including BP, Pinsent Mason, Rolls-Royce, Booking.com, Lloyds Banking Group, Auto Trader, and Microsoft, marks a significant milestone in the effort to integrate SMID values across all levels of an organization.

Under the leadership of Wanda Solutions, the KSF was designed as a comprehensive, adaptable blueprint aimed at guiding any organization toward achieving its SMID goals within a practical timeframe. The collaboration not only leveraged Wanda Solutions' strategic foresight and project management expertise but also highlighted the firm's commitment to ethical leadership and transformational change. Through this initiative, Wanda Solutions demonstrated its capability to orchestrate a unified approach among diverse stakeholders, showcasing the universal applicability and relevance of the KSF across different industries.

The framework itself is structured around a series of progressive levels, each outlining specific initiatives and milestones essential for the gradual integration of SMID principles. This tiered approach ensures that organizations can measure their progress objectively, with clear benchmarks and KPIs that reflect their advancements in fostering a more inclusive and diverse corporate environment.

Wanda Solutions' strategic vision for the KSF was not merely to address the immediate needs of participating companies but to set a new benchmark for SMID efforts globally. By successfully uniting a wide range of corporate entities around this common goal, the project underscored the critical importance of systemic change in promoting environments where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is embedded in the very fabric of organizational culture.

The KSF stands as a testament to Wanda Solutions' innovative thinking, leadership, and unwavering dedication to promoting diversity and ensuring inclusivity at every organizational level. It serves as a valuable model for other organizations seeking to make significant strides in SMID, highlighting the transformative power of collaborative innovation and strategic planning in achieving sustainable and meaningful change.

Through this landmark initiative, Wanda Solutions has not only contributed significantly to advancing SMID within the corporate sector but has also paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable corporate world. The Keenan SMID Framework emerges as a practical, impactful tool that can be adopted by any organization committed to comprehensively embedding Social Mobility, Inclusivity, and Diversity into their operational ethos.