"Four pillars make up our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy: Community, Training & Development, Talent & Opportunity, and Accountability & Responsibility. The goal for all our DEI initiatives is to create fans for life. Whether you work here, interview with us, join us for a game, we want to you to see yourself represented here."
-Christina Jefferson, 49ers Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director
Community
We believe in the power of community. When we listen, learn, and become better allies and teams, we strengthen our internal and external community. We strive to reflect the diversity of our community so that everyone feels they belong.
Training & Development
To be the best, we must develop excellence at every level of the organization. We recognize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is crucial to our success – its pillars are embedded into our employee training and development practices at every level.
Talent & Opportunity
We recognize not everyone has the same access to career opportunities in sports and are committed to creating equitable opportunities for recruiting, hiring, and promotion
Accountability & Responsibility
We take action and do the right thing consistently. The key to creating lasting impact in DEI work in sports is to be accountable and honor our commitments. #changesports
At the end of the day we care about the impact we make on those around us and the difference we make in the world
We currently have four Employee Resource Groups who focus on Community, Education, Development, Advocacy and giving back.
APEX
APEX strives to unite employees of Asian, Pacific Islander and Asian Pacific heritage. We serve to aid in the professional development and advancement of our members, bring awareness to community-specific issues to the larger organization.
BUILD
49ers B.U.I.L.D. (Black Unity In Leadership and Development) was established to bring together black employees within the front office of the San Francisco 49ers to influence positive change within the organization and the communities we support.
Women Connect
The mission of 49ers Women Connect is to foster an environment in which women feel connected and supported, as well as provide a platform for individuals to engage in conversation that promotes the exchange of best practices and enhances professional development.
LEAD
LEAD's mission is to build a Latinx community within the San Francisco 49ers that supports and helps each other grow professionally. To foster an environment of inclusion for all LatinX employees as well as a platform to promote cultural diversity in our community.
We understand not everyone has the same access to a career in football and are committed to creating equitable opportunities for recruiting, hiring and promotion. Part of that commitment is through our new Internship and Fellowship programs.
Internships
The San Francisco 49ers offer full-time internships to individuals wishing to gain professional sports experience and make meaningful connections in the National Football League. Our internship program is built to develop future leadership talent that reflects our diverse community. The internship program is a paid opportunity that allows participants to contribute to the organization's success while practicing the knowledge and theories learned in the classroom.
While each intern will be working with a specific department, they will be given the opportunity to explore different areas within the organization through group networking events, training, and 1:1 meetings. Our interns also have a committed mentor, a supportive team, and a real-world project to advance their skills and expand their understanding of a career in sports. Our goal is to create "fans for life" at the end of every internship.
The Denise DeBartolo York Fellowship
The Fellowship celebrates the legacy of Mrs. York and cultivates the talent of women in professional sports. The Fellowship is awarded annually to a female college graduate who demonstrates qualities such as leadership, integrity, and concern for the community.
Denise DeBartolo York has had a long and distinguished career in business and professional sports. Mrs. York is the owner and co-chairman of five-time world champion San Francisco 49ers. Earlier in her career, Mrs. York served as president of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team. Under her leadership, the Penguins were transformed into a Stanley Cup winning team. Mrs. York has been named by Forbes' Magazine as one of the most powerful women in sports.
The 12-month fellowship consisting of four rotations in business departments is designed to give a recent graduate a well-rounded foundation in the business of a professional sports team
Player and Alumni Engagement Fellowship
The Player & Alumni Engagement Fellowship's mission is to create access and opportunity to the next generation of sports leaders. The fellowship is designed to give a recent graduate a well-rounded foundation in how we support players during their time in the NFL and beyond (alumni).
The 24-month program gives our fellows the opportunity to learn how we build relationships, educate, and provide resources that influence and impact our players and their support systems during and beyond their NFL experience.