Anjali Mathai joins HLW as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, operating out of the firm's New York City office. Mathai brings nearly two decades of experience in organizational design, development, and change management to the firm, with an emphasis on communication transparency. Mathai's addition affirms HLW's commitment to cultivating a people-first work environment and culture of social responsibility, reinforcing its organizational foundation from which bold, innovative ideas can emerge.

"For over a century, HLW has used design to advance positive change in the world. Today, we recognize diversity, equity, and inclusion is an indivisible part of creating a sustainable future,” comments Susan Boyle, Managing Partner at HLW. “We’re excited to welcome Anjali into her new role and look forward to collaborating with her. With Anjali on board, we will focus on centering equity within the firm and its work, and we will use her insight and experience to find innovative solutions for some of our industry's most challenging issues.” 

Mathai brings authenticity of purpose and meaningful experience to her new role. In her previous work as a licensed social worker in the nonprofit field, she developed a profound sense of empathy and passion for deepening human connections, solving complex challenges, and implementing best inclusion practices. At HLW, she will work closely with the firm's leadership team to cultivate a work culture open to transparent dialogue, which will enhance the employee experience and increase engagement and collaboration across the organization. 

"I was immediately drawn to HLW's steadfast dedication to fostering a working environment where a multiplicity of voices and diverse range of thought is celebrated and encouraged. I am incredibly excited to join the team and am thrilled to be a part of a culture that prides itself on its people being its greatest strength,” said Mathai. “Sustaining equity involves commitment and action, and I look forward to working alongside team members at all levels to create processes and systems that will allow us to work better together. By showing up authentically and being present, we have the opportunity to truly collaborate and drive growth within our organization.” 

As Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Mathai will oversee the convergence of the firm's various existing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and culture-based programs under a single umbrella, including HLW's recent alignment with the International Living Future Institute and Just certification. Mathai will also support the human resources team in further building out the firm's ethnically and socially diverse professional staff––a workforce that is currently more than 50 percent composed of women and minorities, with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) accounting for 37 percent of the team. 

For more on HLW and its projects and people, visit www.hlw.design.