At Apple, everything people do is built upon respect for the varied human experience. It’s what makes Apple’s products so accessible, its stores more welcoming, and the company feel like a community. Apple’s Diversity Network Associations (DNAs) may be the best embodiment of that idea — a natural extension of our inclusion and diversity values. For over 35 years, DNAs have fostered a culture of belonging to help people feel supported, connected, and empowered throughout their journey at Apple.
Many DNA members identify with more than one community or join to learn different perspectives as an ally. There are over 55,000+ DNA members worldwide finding community, making an impact on Apple’s culture, developing professionally through networking and mentorship, and volunteering in activities that feel meaningful.
In the UK, we have 5 DNA chapters, one of which is Black@Apple. Founded in February 2019, the community has over 2,300 employees who work in all areas of Apple across the UK. Employees lead the community and organise events focused on four main areas: community engagement, volunteering, career growth and development, and impact. Throughout the year, the community comes together to celebrate heritage moments, like UK Black History Month in October, offer each other support, and take up issues that matter. And their engagement is not just inside Apple. DNAs also promote volunteer opportunities that are beneficial to the local community as well as those with a global impact. Employees who participate in our DNAs also benefit from networking, mentorship, and other professional development opportunities that help them drive their careers at Apple. These groups are a reflection of who we are at Apple, but are also instrumental in influencing Apple’s products and services enjoyed by millions of customers.
DNAs receive the guidance of Executive Sponsors, and there are three supporting Black@Apple UK: Ije Nwokorie, Sr. Director for Retail Engagement & Marketing; Christopher Moser, Sr. Director for Content Services International; and Hannah Reid, People Director EMEIA. Ije joined Apple in January 2018, having spent the previous 11 years at creative consultancy Wolf Olins where he was Strategy Director, Managing Director of the London office, and ultimately CEO. He is a board member of Charity: Water and the International Institute of the Visual Arts.
Christopher joined Apple in 2011 to launch our Services businesses in Latin America. Prior to joining Apple, he held roles at MySpace, Sony Music Entertainment and Bertelsmann among other organisations. Christopher is on the board of Human practice foundation. And Hannah, the newest Executive Sponsor, joined Apple in 2021 from her role as EMEA Senior Director of HR at Gartner. She held senior HR positions in a variety of sectors including professional services, insurance, local Govt and the U.K. Police service. She is an advisory board member for Tech week Humber & The Edge as well as a number of U.K. universities. All Executive Sponsors are seasoned business leaders with a passion for inclusion and diversity who help their DNA communities strategise, broker relationships with key stakeholders, and provide mentorship and support to DNA leaders.
If you’d like to learn more, please check out the DNA page on the Apple Careers website. There you can learn more about our DNAs and read testimonials from employees who are involved in the program.
Applications for our Apple Services Academy 2023 are about to go live. To read about the opportunities available on this year’s program, please head to #servicesacademy where the only requirements are passion and potential.
