Our diversity, equity and inclusion commitment

How we describe diversity, equity and inclusion
Diversity is more than just the visible, such as race, ethnicity and gender. It includes education, cultural experiences, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and many other invisible differences that make each of us unique.

Our goal is to promote diversity, equity and inclusion so that each employee feels free to contribute to their fullest potential.

• Diversity means differences. For Alliant Energy, that translates to the word “unique.” In our company, it starts at an individual level, with every employee asking, “What makes me unique?”
• Equity means everyone has what they need to be successful. What you need to reach your goals may be different from what a co-worker needs. Everyone has a fair shot at success.
• Inclusion ensures that everyone feels safe contributing their unique perspective. That’s exactly what our Respect value affirms: We treat people with respect and strive to create a workplace where people of diverse backgrounds, talents and perspectives feel like they belong.

Our Diversity Equity and Inclusion vision.pdf

A welcoming environment
We provide resources to our employees that foster inclusion and a better understanding about diversity. Our Employee Resource Groups (Equality Alliance, Evolving Professionals Connection, Multicultural Network, Sustainability Squad, Veterans’ Alliance and Women’s Network) give all employees an opportunity to grow professionally, network, build community relationships and socialize with other employees.    

How we do business

A diverse supplier base helps us meet the challenge of supplying everything from office supplies to vehicles in a timely and cost-effective manner. That is why we strongly support the use of minority, women and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. We are a long-standing member of Wisconsin Iowa and Central Illinois Minority Supplier Development Council (WICI). WICI certifies minority-owned businesses and matches them with member corporations. 

Learn more about our supplier diversity program

Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

These groups serve as a resource for employees and provide an opportunity to participate in professional development, networking and community involvement. Every ERG is open to all employees, and each group features a specific theme:  

Equality Alliance 
Promotes a safe and inclusive workplace for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBTQ+) employees, and engages allies.

Evolving Professionals Connection (EPC) 
Focuses on the needs of the evolving utility professional.   

Multicultural Network
Invites employees to share, explore and embrace the cultural differences in our company.

Sustainability Squad
Educates and inspires employees regarding sustainable practices at work and home.

Veterans' Alliance
Empowers veterans’ success and educates employees about their service. 

Women's Network
Encourages growth and advancement and raises awareness of gender barriers in the workplace.

Beyond our buildings

As a major employer in this region, we have the resources to positively impact inclusive attitudes, behaviors and outcomes in the communities we serve – a responsibility we take seriously.

We are a cofounder of Inclusive ICR. This coalition of local employers and organizations works to advance diversity and inclusion in ICR (the Iowa City – Cedar Rapids corridor).

We are also a cofounder of the Leadership and Diversity Workgroup of the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP). This committee is responsible for the annual Madison Region’s Workplace Diversity & Inclusion Survey, launched in 2015.

We’ve formed relationships with universities and community colleges, encouraging diverse students to consider a career path in the utility industry and at Alliant Energy.

We also sponsor or co-sponsor events with Centro Hispano of Dane County, Corridor Women Connect, Gay Straight Alliance, One Iowa, OutReach, Urban League of Greater Madison, Women Lead Change and more.

Alliant Energy recognizes the value of diversity within our supplier base. We are committed to increasing utilization of minority, women, service-disabled veteran-owned, LGBT-owned (including sexual orientation and gender identity) and small businesses, so that our suppliers reflect the diversity of the communities we are privileged to serve.

A Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Service Disabled-Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVE), Veteran Business Owned (VBE) or LGBTQ+ (inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity) - owned is a business venture that is at least 51% owned and controlled by a minority, woman, veteran or LGBTQ+, respectively.

Learn more about our supplier diversity program