"Our goal is to create a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace where individuals are valued, feel free to express themselves, are empowered to succeed, to grow both personally and professionally and achieve fulfillment."
Through our iCARE™ ("Inclusive Community of Advocacy, Respect and Equality") initiative, we have launched a number of programs intended to foster a culture that promotes social justice, equal access, community development and opportunity. Employees are encouraged to participate in interactive events, cultural celebrations, enterprise-wide mentorship programs and multiple volunteer opportunities.
Our iCARE™ Council consisting of 14 employees, with diverse backgrounds across different divisions in our organization, oversees the continued evolution of our iCARE™ program. The Bank launched the role of iCARE™ Ambassadors in 2022, consisting of 16 employees throughout the organization to serve and lead as liaisons between iCARE™ program and their business units to expand and promote engagement in iCARE™ initiatives.
~ 33% of Board of Directors were female
~ 57% of workforce was female while ethnic
~ 44% were of diverse nationality or ethnicity
~ 61% of workforce constituted of racial minorities
In 2022, our employees reported a total of 2,650 volunteer hours to 110 organizations. We offer diversity and inclusion training to all of our employees and employees are given paid time to participate in volunteer opportunities in their communities and communities we serve.
Cultural Celebrations are highlighted to help promote inclusion, tolerance and respect throughout our organization in order to ensure that our team members feel valued.
Mentoring and leadership training programs further career development by providing our employees opportunity to reach their full potential so we can reach ours.
In 2022, 373 employees enrolled in the five mentoring programs listed below and a total of 3,066 mentoring hours were reported.
- New Hire Mentorship Program
- College Intern Mentorship Program
- Rising Leaders Mentorship Program
- Ongoing Mentorship Program
- Professional Development Program
- Situational Leadership Program
- EXCELerate Program
- Toastmasters Program
Internships Internships partnered with five colleges and universities in our local markets to provide internship programs, with a primary focus on minority high school and college students.
Participating colleges and universities: Florida International University (FIU), Florida Memorial University (FMU), Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), Miami Dade College (MDC), Medgar Evers College.
In 2022, 23 were hired for a role after our internship program. Other internship program updates include:
- iCARE™ Summer and Senior Internship Program – 36 college interns completed.
- Future Bankers Camp – 12 high school interns participated.
- BankUnited Chief Investment Officer Summer Program – 15 high school interns participated.
- St. Vincent de Paul "One at a Time" Scholarship Program for High School Graduates
Wellness
- South Florida Business Journal – Healthiest Employer 2020, 2021 & 2022
- FL Department of Health and HR Tech Magazine Healthiest Employer 2021 & 2022
- Tampa/Orlando Market Healthiest Employer 2022
ATOM PinkTank PinkTank a six-month leadership, mentorship, and research development program to empower female students pursuing STEM careers. In partnership with FIU College of Business’ Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, PinkTank participants receive weekly guidance and mentorship by BankUnited employees throughout the research and competition stage. Students connect with BankUnited professionals of all levels & disciplines, and get the chance to win a scholarship that can be applied toward their FIU tuition.
Since inception of this initiative in 2020, 32 students have completed the program and 20 new students have been selected for the 2022 - 2023 cohort. To date, BankUnited has hired 6 female students and garnered participation of over 40 BankUnited employees representing 20 departments across the Bank.
Adopt A Neighborhood initiative provides an under-served predominantly minority neighborhood with resources it needs to thrive and succeed and to make a tangible and positive impact on lives of its residents.
In 2022 BankUnited hosted the “Growing United” event in Liberty City, which included financial literacy sessions, introduction to iCARE Ventures and Heirs’ Property Initiative, arts & crafts for children, and free lunch for community members.
Curious Minds STEM Academy a summer program developed in partnership with Miami Dade College, Fab Lab Miami, and Belafonte Tacolcy Center. This program provides training for high school students in fundamentals of physics, robotics, programming, engineering, digital fabrication, and finance with college credit and scholarships awarded.
Since inception, 22 high school students have participated in this program.
Roots Collective Program, sponsored by the Bank for middle school and high school students where they are able to learn life skills, healthy habits, community service, and yoga.
Since inception, 40 students have participated in this program.
As part of this initiative, the Bank has invested $14.6 million into Edison Towers through Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs). Located within Liberty City, Edison Towers consists of 121 units for Seniors under 60% of the area median income (AMI). The Bank’s investment will ensure preservation and rehabilitation of safe affordable housing within Liberty City for years to come. The Bank is committed to affordable housing and will continue to identify partnerships within Liberty City and the Bank’s assessment area.
iCARE Ventures in an effort to support black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and minority-owned businesses, BankUnited’s landing page for The Lonely Entrepreneur platform provides access for up to 100 entrepreneurs. The Bank has also collaborated with the Small Business Development center at Florida International University in order to provide resources individuals needs to thrive and succeed in their small business.
Since inception, four entrepreneurs have been onboarded in the program.
Heirs’ Property Initiative provides free legal consultation and representation for families seeking to resolve Heirs’ property issues.
In 2022, the Bank sponsored Eatonville’s Heirs’ Property initiative with a total contribution of $7,500.00
BankUnited Partners:
- First American Title Insurance Company
- Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc.
- Universities: Florida International University, Florida Memorial University and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
- Duane Morris, LLP
- Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida
Entrepreneurship Program educates New York City youth, GED students and College students on entrepreneurship and workforce development. This eight-week program developed in partnership with Medgar Evers College, New York Edge, and Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation.