TGA Global Partner Profiles

TGA Global Partner Profiles featured on this page represent the employers of TGA Board members and/or are corporate sponsors of TGA, are based in the Tulsa area and do business internationally. Periodically, TGA will feature a new Global Partner Profile on this page. Check back regularly for the next profile of a local company helping to grow the Tulsa area’s global reputation.

Note: Each Partner Profile included here has been approved for accuracy by the featured company or organization. However, circumstances, people and places may have changed since the date of publication.

AAON’s Diverse Workforce –
A Unique Global Connection

aaon.com

AAON employs team members from more than 39 countries. You don’t have to look further than our Tulsa campus for a unique global connection. A diverse and inclusive workplace is integral to our innovation, productivity, safety, and team member engagement strategies. 69% of our workforce comes from diverse backgrounds, speaking multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Burmese, Zomi, Dari, and Pashto.

Eneida Walkup, AAON’s Tulsa HR Manager, has been with the company since 2016 and is a native of Venezuela. One of her favorite things about AAON is getting to know people who become a part of this team and learning about the unique contributions they can bring.

“I find that our differences among the cultures we represent have helped form a special bond that has become our glue. Our experiences, skill levels, knowledge, and backgrounds, all coming together, gives us an amazing advantage and opportunity in this global market,” said Walkup.

AAON’s efforts to create a supportive network for hiring people from diverse backgrounds began internally by ensuring our Human Resources team reflected the diversity of our employee population. Our HR team is fluent in three languages, including Spanish, Burmese, and Zomi, and the company has access to translators.

Translating essential documents and providing visual instructional images help create a professional environment where language barriers do not inhibit employees from succeeding in their work. AAON’s on-site English as a Second Language (ESL), Spanish language, and Leadership classes help team members develop professionally. AAON also promotes achievements with our Team Member Spotlight and AAON AIM High programs.

“It doesn’t matter what your background is or what language you speak. We learn from each other. Working together, above all, speaks unity and collaboration to accomplish a goal. When an AAON unit rolls off a line, a sense of pride is there, knowing that 39 different nationalities may have had a hand in that, working side by side,” added Walkup.

AAON leadership recognizes the asset of its diverse workforce, many of whom are immigrants or refugees. “Tulsa has a large immigrant and refugee population. They come here wanting to work. We hope to help equip them with the skills that will allow them to succeed and advance within our company,” said Stephanie Regan, Director of Corporate Citizenship. AAON was featured as DEI Best Practices Case Study by the Manufacturing Institute for Working with Diverse Populations.      

 AAON is also a proud community partner with YWCA Tulsa. In 2021, the Tulsa community welcomed 850 Afghanistan refugees. AAON partnered with the YWCA, learning more about the Afghan culture and offering the opportunity for employment. AAON also continually supports the “Welcoming Week” event, celebrating Tulsa’s immigrant and refugee communities.