May 8, 2025 

A Culture of Inclusion: Voices From Our COUNTRY Financial® Resource Groups 

At COUNTRY, our unwavering commitment to inclusion is a cornerstone of our Vision and mission and one of our four core Values. We’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that enhances our culture and invests in our people and teams.

We asked members from our Resource Groups (RGs) to weigh in on how they view and celebrate diversity and inclusion.

What does inclusion mean to you?

Nora Atkins, Talent Development Specialist

“Inclusion goes beyond simple acknowledgment—it’s about actively fostering compassion and empathy for all, recognizing that people come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Inclusion also requires an awareness of those whose voices may be absent from key decision-making spaces, inspiring advocacy for fair practices across all levels. On a personal level, to be truly inclusive is to challenge one's own thoughts and biases, understanding that we are always learning and growing.”

Kristin Kramer, Insurance Operations Manager in CommAg

“Inclusion means creating a space where everyone feels genuinely seen, heard, and valued. It’s about a commitment to listening with curiosity, being open to change and actively working together to remove barriers.”

Veronica Riggs, Client Experience Training Manager

“Simply put, inclusion means ensuring everyone feels represented, respected, and understood. The challenging part is that identity is multi-faceted and complex. As we navigate our days, we wear different hats—employees, citizens, students, volunteers, parents—while balancing layers of our identity, such as generation, gender, nationality, and experiences. True inclusion occurs when we embrace these complexities, actively seek diverse perspectives, and listen openly.”

Austin Thacker, Senior Claims Trainer

“Inclusion means creating a workplace that fosters a sense of belonging where everyone’s ideas are valued and respected, regardless of background or experience level. Throughout my career, I have seen COUNTRY embrace inclusion by valuing input from all of their employees.”

Andy Walker, Senior Field Learning Specialist

“Inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute fully, regardless of their background or identity. Inclusion might mean recognizing and appreciating the diverse perspectives and experiences of others and actively working to ensure that everyone has a voice and a sense of belonging. It involves being open to learning from others, challenging biases, and supporting opportunities for all.”

At COUNTRY, we understand that fostering a culture of belonging is a continuous journey. It takes active listening, empathy, and a commitment to growth — both as individuals and as an organization. 

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