The organizations still moving forward are showing us something important. When inclusion is part of how a company works, it can withstand pressure better. This is more effective than when inclusion just exists in a statement, committee, or moment. Over the past year, we’ve watched organizations make different choices. They responded to the political, legal,…
There’s a reason this moment feels so familiar. The language may shift. The headlines may change. The corporate statements may get softer, more cautious, or disappear altogether. But the pattern is not new. We have seen this before. Progress is followed by backlash. Bold promises are followed by retreat. People doing equity-focused work are often…
Pastor Jamal Bryant has announced the end of the Target boycott. He says that three of the four original asks have been met. Early public reaction shows that officially ending a boycott does not mean consumer trust is restored. Some shoppers may return. Many may not. And that gap matters. That is the part too…
Not too long ago, a prominent voice in the psychological safety space made a bold statement: “Psychological safety is what DEI should have been.” While this framing may resonate with some, for me, it felt incomplete. It ignored a fundamental truth—identity cannot be divorced from psychological safety. As someone who operates at the intersection of…
The recent election has intensified anxieties and uncertainty for many, particularly within marginalized communities. As we look toward the future, a sober reality settles in: the rights and protections fought for over decades may be in jeopardy. We anticipate that the hard-won gains of DEI initiatives will face unprecedented challenges, and the workplace—one of the…
In the wake of the recent election, many people are still processing the results, feeling uncertain, and even struggling to function as they consider what the coming days, weeks, and months might bring. For some, Project 2025 carries significant implications, not only for them personally but also for their families, friends, and communities. As concerns…
As we approach an election that feels particularly high-stakes, many are feeling the tension in their everyday lives, and this anxiety doesn’t stop at the workplace door. Employees may feel the weight of what’s happening outside the office—facing divisive rhetoric, anxiety about future outcomes, and a looming sense of uncertainty. For many, it’s not just…
Recent insights reveal significant shifts in how “diversity, equity, and inclusion” are understood, valued, and even misunderstood across our communities and workplaces. These findings bring to light that while many of us see DEI as essential to fostering respect and belonging, a few misconceptions remain—often rooted in fear of losing meritocracy or concerns about “reverse…
Companies like Amazon are mandating a return to the office, with some requiring five days a week. This marks a significant shift from recent flexible work norms. This shift has sparked concerns about the potential impacts on psychological safety, employee morale, and overall productivity. While pre-pandemic work arrangements might have seemed “normal,” the landscape of…
As DEI practitioners and advocates, we are often at the forefront of challenging conversations and initiatives. The current backlash against DEI only underscores the importance of our work. To continue driving positive change, it’s essential to amplify the benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This playbook provides practical strategies to reinforce the value of DEI…