First published on LinkedIn.
“They are able to let [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging] be their compass and not be dissuaded or discouraged by the noise. They are standing 10 toes down, holding to the middle ground, and they will see the benefits on the back end.”
~ Dr. Tana M. Session
In a recent article published by NBC, I spoke out on the importance of staying committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives during a time of anti-DEIB rhetoric and action.
All of this is happening while we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day this March. Our theme this year is to Accelerate Action For Women’s Equality, and I have to wonder, what would the women who fought so hard for equal rights think now?
Women have been one of the most underrepresented groups in the C-suite level, and highly untapped for leadership positions. Only 7% of women of color and 1.4% of Latinx women – and these numbers drop even more when you consider women of color and Trans women.
However, female representation has increasingly proven to be extremely beneficial for executive effectiveness and organizations broadly. In a 2023 McKinsey study, organizations with women on executive teams had a 39% higher likelihood of profitability. This is one of the many reasons DEIB should be embedded as part of the DNA of the organizational culture to ensure it touches all aspects of the business because ultimately, it’s just good business.
I’ve preached the pros and cons of DEIB throughout the years, and with the new majority entering the workforce (Millennials & Gen Z – who are VERY different generations), committing to the work is so important, now more than ever. Millennials and Gen Z expect inclusive workplaces and employers with inclusive workplaces tend to report higher engagement, satisfaction, and productivity. Diverse teams make better decisions than homogenous teams 87% of the time and are 70% more likely to capture new markets.
Despite all the benefits, Corporate America seems to be straying further and further away from the mission and vision of DEIB. And as a vocal member of this space, it’s important for me to stay focused on the work being done…Not the noise that’s out there.
So for this month’s newsletter, I want to focus on celebrating the wins. What better way to do that than to look at how companies are truly reinforcing DEIB?
98% of Costco shareholders rejected an anti-DEI proposal and are staying strong in the face of a letter from 19 Attorney Generals urging them to repeal their DEIB initiatives.
The NFL, which has had a complicated history with DEIB, has become a big advocator for staying committed to DEIB with the Commissioner stating “the league's diversity efforts have made the NFL better and has ‘attracted better talent.’”
E.l.f. Beauty is also fighting for DEI, stating that it is a “competitive advantage”. They are one of two publicly traded companies that have a board made up of over 78% women and 44% people of color.
These organizations are choosing to reinforce their commitment to DEIB because they know it drives innovation, attracts top talent, and builds stronger businesses.
Let’s also not forget that DEIB is not only for Corporate America. Global companies hold a different lens on how DEIB programs can improve employee engagement, customer experience, and board relations – and it makes sense as they serve an incredibly diverse market. It’s no wonder that companies in Europe like Barclays and HSBC, and others in Asia such as the Tata Group and Lenovo, are continuing to commit to a culture of inclusivity.
Progress is always followed by resistance - it can feel uncomfortable to change.
I say, embrace it!!! Rather than sitting in complacency, you are evolving...and with evolution comes growing pains.
And don’t forget…REST is RESISTANCE.
MARCH OBSERVANCES:
Women's History Month: Women’s History Month celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of women in history, society, and culture. Every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share with the world. We want to celebrate women's efforts to make the world a better place for all women.
March 1-7 - Invest in Veteran's Week: This week encourages more people to patronize established and upcoming businesses set up by veterans. Veterans hold a very special place in the hearts of many Americans and they are a very important aspect of U.S. culture as they are seen as heroes who have dedicated some or all of their lives to serving the country in whatever capacity they were able to.
March 2 - American Citizenship Day: In Puerto Rico, this is a public holiday to commemorate the day that Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917. On this day, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act and granted statutory U.S. citizenship to the residents of Puerto Rico
March 5 - U.S. Equal Pay Day: Equal Pay Day is an annual observance that symbolizes the ongoing issue of pay disparity and the wage gap between White men and women.
March 7 - Employee Appreciation Day: This day reminds managers that strong employer-employee relations are at the core of any truly successful business. Having a great relationship with your employees is an important aspect of being a manager, and appreciating their efforts can go a long way towards making workers feel valued.
March 8 - International Women's Day: International Women's Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years, as have many of the issues still impacting women's advancement. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about women's equality. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that's what makes IWD so inclusive.
March 17-23 - Neurodiversity Celebration Week: This week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organizations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognize the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
March 21 - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Annually observed every March 21 to pay tribute to 69 peaceful protesters in Sharpeville, South Africa, who on this day in 1960 were gunned down by police authorities while protesting against apartheid laws.
March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day: This day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The goal is to help people understand and support those with Down syndrome better. The date being the 21st day of the 3rd month was chosen to represent the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. The theme this year is to call on all governments to improve support systems.
March 25 - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery & the Transatlantic Slave Trade: The transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, which operated between the 15th and late 19th centuries, involved the horrific trafficking of millions of women, men, and children, mostly from West Africa to the Americas. We call upon reflection and education. Despite myths to the contrary, enslaved Africans enriched the Americas, not just through unpaid labor but also through a transfer of vital skills and knowledge. In addition, rather than accepting their fate, they engaged in powerful acts of resistance.
March 31 - International Transgender Day of Visibility: Each year on March 31, the world observes the Transgender Day of Visibility to raise awareness about Transgender people. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of Trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces.
Until next month... Be well and protect your peace!
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