Dufry Dominican Republic Obtains the RD Incluye (Inclusion) Seal

Dufry Dominican Republic has been granted the RD Incluye (Dominican Republic Inclusion) 2021 seal, a hallmark that recognizes and consolidates Dufry Dominican Republic as one of the 62 companies in the country who are successfully implementing initiatives that contribute to the full inclusion of people with disabilities and to the promotion of their rights. The RD Incluye seal is an initiative developed by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Labour, the National Disability Council (CONADIS) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

This local initiative contributes towards the achievement of one of the Sustainable Development Goals  (SDG number 10 - Reduce Inequalities), as it relates to people with disabilities, thus promoting their development and participation on equal terms, leaving no one behind and is aligned with Dufry´s other activities linked to this objective.

Inclusion at Dufry: Dagoberto Veras

One of the main risks in the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) topic is that of simplifying this quite broad issue to just numbers or quotas. Equality of opportunity and treatment is a fundamental principle of D&I and giving options for everyone to develop professionally and personally is key to ensure an inclusive working environment. This is what Dufry has been recognized for in the Dominican Republic with the granting of the RD Incluye Seal.

An example of one such case that played a part in Dufry achieving this recognition, is that of Dagoberto Veras, Country Financial Control & Accounting Manager for the Caribbean and it underlines the importance of creating a work space in which everyone can develop. Dagoberto joined the Dufry family 7 years ago after finishing his bachelor's degree in business administration and while completing his undergraduate studies in Public Accounting. During his career at Dufry Dominicana he specialized in the area of finance, obtaining a master's degree in financial management, gaining other complementary diplomas and participating in workshops in the area of administration and finance.

The uniqueness of Dagoberto's story goes back years. Without many resources to fall back on, he managed to complete his primary education thanks to an SOS Children Villages education program - which Dagoberto wouldn't have known was in fact funded by Dufry, until he joined our company!

This allowed him to access secondary education and continue his path towards higher education and further training programs until 2014, when he became an asset to the Dufry team in the Dominican Republic.

“During these 7 years at Dufry I have had the opportunity to continue to grow - personally and professionally - and I have always felt the support of the company, which has pushed me to continue my training and to complete my education.”

Dagoberto is now tempted to take another step and look into an international position – although he reckons he will need to work a little more on his English! What we touch on last of all when looking at Dagoberto’s journey, is that he has a physical disability. But, as he says, he often has to be reminded of it, because it has never been something that has prevented him from achieving his goals. A great example of overcoming challenges and celebrating diversity and inclusion for everyone!