To the former Congressional Black Caucus head, it’s an exciting time to work in the diversity and inclusion space. Washington has spent the past two years running NAMIC, working to elevate its mission to educate, advocate and empower multi-ethnic individuals. “First and foremost, it’s important to understand that diversity does not automate inclusion,” she says. “To retain and nurture top talent, it is critical to take an honest look at the end-to-end employee experience by creating workplace conditions that promote inclusion on a daily basis and designing ways to measure the impact.”
The conversation about racial injustice in 2020 has… ignited a global movement that has impacted communities both large and small and transcends beyond the color of one’s skin.
To the former Congressional Black Caucus head, it’s an exciting time to work in the diversity and inclusion space. She’s spent the past two years running NAMIC, working to elevate its mission to educate, advocate and empower multi-ethnic individuals. “First and foremost, it’s important to understand that diversity does not automate inclusion,” she says. “To retain and nurture top talent, it is critical to take an honest look at the end-to-end employee experience by creating workplace conditions that promote inclusion on a daily basis and designing ways to measure the impact.”
In what ways can companies best show a sincere commitment to diversity and inclusion? First and foremost, it’s important to understand that diversity does not automate inclusion. While hiring goals and a focus on employee pipeline may boost diversity numbers, it won’t automatically create an inclusive culture. To retain and nurture top talent, it is critical to take an honest look at the end-to-end employee experience by creating workplace conditions that promote inclusion on a daily basis and designing ways to measure the impact.
What are some of the tough conversations this industry needs to have? We need to acknowledge we are not where we want to be in having a truly diverse and inclusive workplace. We need to have transparent and honest discussions about systematic racism and how it impacts our employees and, ultimately, our bottom line.
