Insights
Amplifying the leadership potential of persons with disabilities
In recognition of IDPwD, we are amplifying the voices and stories of colleagues from around the globe who are breaking barriers.
December 2024
Every December 3, people around the world recognize International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD). This day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a powerful reminder that accessibility is a fundamental right, not a luxury. It also underscores the critical importance of inclusion and diversity in creating a fairer, more equitable society.
Persons with disabilities encompass individuals with physical, mental health, intellectual or sensory challenges. Disabilities can range from the visible conditions, such as blindness or paralysis, to invisible ones, including chronic illnesses, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or depression.
At State Street, we are committed to fostering a culture where all colleagues feel empowered to contribute to our shared purpose. Our Global Disability Inclusion Policy is embedded across every aspect of our work, from recruitment, training and career development to benefits and working conditions.
We are proud that our efforts have been recognized on the 2024 Disability Equality Index (DEI), where we earned a top score of 100 for creating one the best US workplaces for disability inclusion for the sixth year in a row. In India, where we participated in the DEI for the first time this year, we earned a score of 80.
Innovation through inclusion
Inclusion succeeds when everyone can bring their whole selves to work. Explains Pankaj Vaish, chief investment officer of Treasury and executive sponsor of our Disability & Inclusion Network, “When we embrace the unique perspectives of our colleagues with disabilities, we unlock new ways of thinking that lead to innovation and better solutions. By bringing all employees’ talents and skills to the forefront, we not only drive progress but also fuel their potential, which generates justifiable pride and the collective success of our organization.”
Our Disability & Inclusion Network (D&IN) brings employees with disabilities and allies together around a common goal: to shape our future with their unique perspectives while amplifying their visibility and leadership across the organization.
To mark this year’s IDPwD, we are amplifying the voices and stories of colleagues from around the globe who are breaking barriers, living with their own disability, supporting loved ones with disabilities, or championing accessibility and inclusion in their communities. Their stories highlight the importance of collaboration, resilience and allyship in building a world that embraces and maximizes everyone’s contributions.
Meet Jaya Pandey
Jaya is a Boston-based business analyst in our Identity and Access Management group. Jaya serves on the steering committee for the North America Disability & Inclusion Network, where she advocates for a more accessible and inclusive workplace. Her work not only uplifts her colleagues but also inspires a broader commitment to inclusion throughout our firm. She is a blogger, an advocate and, most importantly, mother and caregiver to a child with a disability. Desperate to find guidance and support for herself and her autistic son, she founded the Desi Moms Network, a global community that helps connect Indian mothers of special needs children with important services and resources.
Meet Orla Nolan
Orla is a talent consultant in Dublin. She is a member of our EMEA & Ireland Disability and Inclusion Network and was previously active in the Pride and Friends Ireland group as well as the Flex Work Network. She lives with several disabilities, including some that are not visible. More importantly, Orla is a staunch advocate of disability rights and is a trained mental health first-aider.
Meet Siva Manikandan
Siva works in our Bangalore Talent Acquisition team. He leads recruitment efforts primarily for the Global Technology Services division in India with a focus on disability hiring and is passionate about inclusion and workplace accessibility.
