VINCI Airports’ diversity program named among three finalists for national award

The Diversity Ambassadors Program (PED), developed by VINCI Airports in Brazil, was named one of the three finalists for the 2026 Diversity in Practice Award in the Inclusive Leadership category. The initiative prepares employees to share knowledge and support diversity initiatives across the eight airports operated by the company in Brazil.

The program involves teams from the airports in Salvador, Bahia; Manaus, Tabatinga and Tefé, Amazonas; Boa Vista, Roraima; Porto Velho, Rondônia; and Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre. Created by VINCI Airports’ Diversity Committee in Brazil, with support from Instituto Afetto, the PED formed its first group in 2025.

“Being among the three finalists is an important recognition of work that has been consistently developed within the company and that is only possible because of the involvement of our teams. For us, diversity is not a topic limited to a campaign or a specific initiative. It is a commitment that needs to be present in the way we listen to people, encourage dialogue and build an environment where different perspectives have a place. This program was created precisely for that purpose: to bring people closer together, encourage conversations and make diversity an increasingly present practice in our daily lives and operations. Reaching the finals shows that we are making progress, but, above all, reinforces that this is an ongoing journey that needs to be strengthened every day,” says Julio Ribas, CEO of VINCI Airports in Brazil.

Each group in the Diversity Ambassadors Program takes part in a two-year training cycle. The program covers topics such as gender, race and ethnicity, accessibility, religious diversity, Nonviolent Communication and active listening.

Throughout the training, participants prepare to volunteer as diversity ambassadors within the company, sharing knowledge and supporting diversity-related initiatives with their teams. The ambassadors help bring these discussions closer to employees, supporting their development so they can, in turn, contribute to expanding listening, respect for differences and knowledge-sharing across the airports.

Organized by Blend Edu, the Diversity in Practice Award recognizes initiatives developed by companies and organizations in the field of diversity and inclusion. The results of the 2026 edition were announced on Tuesday (6), during the Diversity in Practice Summit.

The PED was among the three finalist initiatives in the Inclusive Leadership category, placing a practice developed by VINCI Airports among those recognized in this year’s award.