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The Chicago Journal

Chicago Innovator Pioneers DEI with Groundbreaking App for Inclusive Workplaces

Chicago Innovator Launches DEI App for Inclusive Workplaces
Photo: Unsplash.com

In the bustling heart of Chicago, a city renowned for its rich diversity and vibrant business landscape, an innovative HR consultant is redefining the future of work environments. Dazhona Hodge, a Black millennial entrepreneur and founder of Virtue Professional Services, has developed an app that promises to revolutionize how companies approach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This groundbreaking tool comes at a critical time when businesses worldwide are seeking effective solutions to enhance their DEI efforts.

Hodge’s journey into the realm of HR and DEI wasn’t merely a career choice; it was a calling. Fueled by personal experiences and the desire to create meaningful change in the workplace, she embarked on developing an app tailored for companies of all sizes. The app boasts several key features designed to address common workplace issues such as diversity hiring, employee engagement, and retention.

One of the innovative aspects of Hodge’s app is its anonymous resume upload functionality. This feature allows job applicants to submit their resumes without disclosing their names or demographic information, thus minimizing unconscious bias during the hiring process. By focusing solely on skills and qualifications, companies can make more objective decisions and foster a diverse workforce.

Additionally, the app introduces an employee mood-tracking “weather system.” This unique feature captures real-time feedback on employees’ sentiments towards their work environment, offering invaluable insights into overall morale. Through this system, businesses can proactively address concerns and create a more positive atmosphere that encourages engagement and productivity.

The mentorship request function further distinguishes Hodge’s app as an essential tool for inclusive workplaces. By facilitating connections between employees seeking guidance and those willing to provide support, this feature empowers individuals to grow professionally within a nurturing community.

“At Virtue Professional Services, we’re not just solving HR problems—we’re creating solutions that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in every workplace,” says Hodge. “Our mission is to help businesses build environments where every employee feels valued and empowered to succeed.”

Hodge’s passion for DEI is evident not only through her innovative app but also in her active social media presence. With platforms on Instagram (@virtueproservice), Facebook (Virtue Professional Service), LinkedIn (Dazhona Hodge SHRM-CP), and her website (dilli.business), she continuously shares insights and fosters discussions around creating more inclusive workplaces. This can be found on her blog The Harmony Hub. 

What sets Hodge’s app apart from other HR tools is its comprehensive approach to addressing DEI challenges. Rather than offering piecemeal solutions or focusing solely on recruitment strategies, her app provides a holistic framework that supports businesses at every stage of their DEI journey. From hiring practices to daily operational culture and employee development opportunities—the app ensures that inclusivity is woven into the fabric of organizational life.

Virtue Professional Services offers a comprehensive selection of HR templates, specifically designed to cater to the diverse needs of businesses, from startups to established companies. These digital downloads include essential tools such as recruitment guides and compliance checklists, helping businesses streamline their HR processes without the necessity of a full-time department. Their DIY strategy empowers companies to build a solid HR foundation at their own pace, providing step-by-step instructions that simplify tasks like onboarding, performance management, and employee relations. With these resources, businesses can ensure compliance, cultivate a positive work culture, and efficiently manage HR tasks while saving both time and money.

Moreover, by customizing features according to company size and specific needs, Hodge ensures that her solution is accessible to all types of businesses—whether they’re startups looking to build their teams right from the outset or established corporations aiming to revamp their workplace cultures.

As companies across industries continue striving towards more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments, tools like Hodge’s DEI-focused app play a pivotal role in turning these goals into realities. It’s not merely about compliance or meeting quotas; it’s about acknowledging each individual’s potential contribution towards creating richer, more creative workplaces where everyone can thrive.

In today’s rapidly evolving business world—where innovation often outpaces regulation—it’s visionaries like Dazhona Hodge who lead the way in demonstrating how technology can be harnessed for social good. Her commitment reflects a broader movement towards greater corporate responsibility and societal progress.

Through Virtue Professional Services’ pioneering efforts under Hodge’s leadership—and with continued support from forward-thinking businesses eager to embrace change—the promise of truly inclusive workplaces moves closer from aspiration towards actualization.

As this Chicago innovator continues breaking new ground with her DEI-focused app for inclusive workplaces—empowering both employers and employees alike—it becomes increasingly clear: when it comes to building better business cultures for tomorrow’s world today; it’s not just about what technology can do but what humanity chooses to do with it.

Published by: Martin De Juan

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