The seeds of Wen Stenger’s involvement in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts were planted many years ago, when Stenger worked helping veterans transition from the military to civilian life. The first in their family to go to college and a veteran of the Air Force, Stenger had personal experience not only with facing barriers to getting an education and a job but also the challenges that occur well after a person finds employment, such as isolation and invisibility, a shortage of culturally competent mentors and a general expectation that they would assimilate.
Along with co-founder Balaji Thiagarajan, Stenger launched Omni Inclusive just under two years ago with an intent to focus on the inclusion of diverse talent in contingent staffing and the gig economy. To expand its impact on DE&I, the organization also provides consulting services to client companies focused on helping them develop and implement DE&I strategies that mean the diverse talent they are bringing can experience a sense of belonging at work. The company also recently launched a scholarship program that serves LGBTQ+ undergraduates, offering financial support, mentoring, training in résumé writing and interview skills, and job placement services.
Stenger also spends a significant amount of time promoting authentic, lasting inclusion practices outside of their work at Omni. Through speaking, advocating and leading by example, they have helped lead the contingent staffing community into conversations and action plans to improve their DE&I footprint. Stenger has also contributed thought leadership to several industry reports and in 2022 partnered with their local SHRM chapter to deliver a three-part DEIB series raising over $2,400, which was donated to the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
Stenger is compelled to do their part to break apart systemic barriers and reeducate others on what it really means to be an ally and create lasting change. “I want to break as many barriers as possible to employment and teach others to not be just an ally but an accomplice to systemic change,” Stenger says. “Because, to put it simply, getting an education and a good job should be available to everyone.”
2023 DE&I Influencers List