Business has been a field of study for centuries. The first MBA was issued by the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in 1908.
Within the field of business, however, diversity and inclusion (D&I) are relatively modern concepts that only recently have received much-needed attention.
The growing emphasis on D&I has been driven in part by a heightened awareness – by customers, employees, shareholders, and the public – of historic inequities in social systems, including employment.
At the same time, employers themselves increasingly recognize that diversity and inclusion are essential objectives, not only from a moral standpoint, but also for organizational success.
D&I is simply good for business, and the return on investment is significant.
This awakening has been evident in West Michigan, where employers have demonstrated their willingness to affirm their commitment to advancing D&I. This is progress, but it leaves the business community facing a question: How can D&I commitments be transformed into effective strategies and sustainable efforts?
An exciting new resource
A new resource is now available to support D&I in the workplace. Five Essential Leadership Competencies of an Effective D&I Practitioner outlines what a D&I officer needs to know and be able to do to be successful in their role.
By building on the foundation established by experienced D&I leadership, this guide seeks to support the progress of diversity and inclusion efforts in West Michigan and beyond.
Collaboration is key
This project would not have been possible without the contributions and unique insights of several highly regarded D&I leaders in West Michigan. Special thanks to Robyn A. (she/her/ella), Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., RhaeAnn Booker, Latoya Booker, Abe Carrillo, B. Afeni McNeely Cobham, Ph.D., Kenneth James, Jackie Lillie, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Michelle Loyd-Paige, Joseph Matthews, Dr. Candy McCorkle (She, Her, Hers), Dr. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, Ann Noe, Darius Quinn, and Courtney Simmons.
This project is a collaboration between Talent 2025 and TalNet’s IncludeAll initiative. It was generously funded by the Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation.
Learn more
This project will debut at the TalNet IncludeAll and Advancing Together virtual conference on Wednesday, January 13th from 9-10 am (EST). Click here to register.
Download a free electronic copy today or purchase a paperback copy from Amazon.
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