Our team members have created a committee dedicated to addressing issues of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity, called the JEDI Committee. Pedcor is one of several companies that has taken a stance and committed to putting in work to address these issues.
What is the JEDI Committee?
The committee is dedicated to affecting positive change in the areas of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity for Pedcor residents and employees, as well as their surrounding communities. The JEDI Committee was formed in 2020 after we composed an open letter on Pedcor’s stance which is available to read on the company website. A lot of Pedcor Companies’ activity involves the development, financing, construction, and management of multifamily apartment housing. Providing our tenants with safe, high-quality, expertly managed, and maintained housing at affordable levels does much for our tenants, and we are proud of making an impact in their lives in this way. All the same, this committee has collectively asked the question “could we be doing more?” and the answer happens to be yes!
Our Strategic Partnerships
In 2021, the Pedcor JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) Committee established strategic relationships with several Indianapolis-based, minority educational institutions to provide internship and employment opportunities within the Pedcor Companies. Our current corporate work-study partners currently include Martin University, Tindley Accelerated School, and Providence Cristo Rey. Our students range in experience and age anywhere from high school to secondary education and beyond. At Pedcor, we take pride in educating each intern in both general business professionalism and education/exposure to our various business units include commercial real estate and banking. The goal for JEDI’s intern initiative is to create relationships with each student in hopes of developing future leaders for the Pedcor Companies.
Martin University
As of 2021, Pedcor is an Employer Partner with Martin University’s Martin WORKS Apprenticeship program. The program allows students to have the opportunity to earn and learn, broadening their work experience with the goal of solidifying a permanent position with an Employer Partner while completing their degree. Each student has the opportunity to earn living wage compensation while gaining invaluable work experience. The program is designed to help students offset their student loans in hopes that each will graduate completely or nearly debt-free prior to entering the workforce. Martin’s Urban Works College Platform has placed two interns within Pedcor. One 2021 summer intern working with Pedcor Homes and Pedcor Management and another in the fall working with JEDI on various JEDI initiatives.
Tindley Accelerated School
In 2021, JEDI joined the Tindley Accelerated School as one of their Alumni Leadership Fellows Corporate Partner. The Alumni Leaders Fellows program is an innovative placement program designed to help Tindley alumni who are currently enrolled in college to find internships within Indianapolis companies. Our 2021 summer intern was placed with the Inclusivity Institute to work on various subjects with a focus on reducing racial and economic segregation in American Housing markets.
Chelsea, our intern, commented that “during my time as a video production intern for the Inclusivity Institute, I was able to gain professional work experience. Being able to work in an environment that was inclusive, empowering, and motivating allowed me to learn and grow in the realms of communication and professional development. The team was very welcoming and I was able to smoothly transition into the dynamics of the team. My experience as an intern has allowed me to build my network and explore more of my career interests. I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with such passionate leadership and team members.”
Providence Cristo Rey
After a short Covid-related hiatus, Pedcor has rejoined the Providence Cristo Rey (“PCR”) Corporate Work Study to develop high school students’ business acumen through on-the-job work experience. The initiative also helps reduce the burden of private education for PCR families. PCR students have worked to develop their computer programming and information technology skills within our very own IT department. In 2021, we found an amazing fit within our Design & Esthetics Group assisting with design and procurement for our new construction clubhouses and asset rehabilitation projects throughout the country.
This is only the beginning, and by collaborating with all the departments within the Pedcor Family, we are excited to maximize our impact. In 2022, JEDI looks to expand each of these relationships by adding additional intern opportunities and partners to our corporate internship initiative.
Pedcor Companies is a full-service development, construction, property management, banking and finance team committed to creating stable, inclusive, and quality rental housing across the nation. We are cultivating thriving communities. For more information, please visit our website.
Pedcor supports the federal fair housing act and all state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in housing with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, handicap, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT+) individuals. Pedcor is an equal opportunity provider and employer.