Houston is a community with an energy born of residents from around the globe who've made the city their own, shaping its character, culture, dining and industry as they build their futures. Our urban fabric is woven of two million stories and a unique open-hearted welcome. Ours is a city where people can be themselves and belong to something bigger. 

Houston First recognizes and appreciates the importance of cultivating an environment that nurtures talent; that is equitable and values different perspectives and backgrounds; and, above all, is respectful to everyone.

In 2022, the organization engaged a global workforce company to assess team member perception, which included a survey of nearly 70 statements. Houston First not only scored above the average, but also scored high enough to receive the prestigious Great Place to Work certification. In 2023 and 2024, the organization completed the assessments again, and earned the certification each year. 

Since 2022, Houston First's DE&I Council and Business Resource Group (BRG) have helped guide the organization's DE&I efforts. The Council, made up of diverse members of the senior executive team, has been responsible for setting goals and assuring implementation of programs and policies that foster a diverse and equitable environment of inclusion. The BRG, comprised of diverse team members of all levels, is tasked with providing recommendations to the Council that address issues, support the company’s culture and help progress Houston First forward. It is this group that reviews the findings of the Great Place to Work survey and develops recommendations.

The organization continues to build on these efforts through expanded professional development resources and DE&I traning for staff as well as additional educational activities around diversity and cultural heritage months.