The Diversity Movement Hosts Attendees from 100+ Client Organizations for an Exchange of Best Practices, Insights, and Perspectives
As nations across the globe continue their diversity, equity, and inclusion journeys, businesses and organizations are leading the efforts to create more just and equitable communities on a very personal level – employee-by-employee – rallying in the office or virtual workplace to implement programming that leads to a better world.
To share key insights and continue to build a community among its clients, The Diversity Movement hosted its first annual client summit virtually on March 17.
Donald Thompson, CEO of The Diversity Movement, kicked off the session with a discussion of key insights learned in 2021 and how organizations can maintain momentum in 2022 and beyond. Kurt Merriweather, VP of Products and Innovation, followed with a presentation on the future of DEI. Jamie Ousterout, VP of Client Success, then led a client roundtable with Rekha Daniel-Kimani, Division Director, Total Rewards & Well-Being; People Care Center; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, BAYADA Home Health Care, Sybil Stewart, Director, Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging, Abrigo, and David S. Cade, Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer at the American Health Law Association.
One of the highlights of the day was a series of breakout sessions led by The Diversity Movement team that enabled clients to exchange ideas, best practices, and confront the many challenges as they continue their DEI journeys. VP of Business Strategy Shelley Willingham ended the program with an overview of lessons learned and future opportunities as DEI programming becomes a core aspect of workplace excellence.
Echoing Willingham’s call to action, Thompson explained the importance of aligning and measuring DEI initiatives as part of the organization’s bottom line, saying, “As DEI becomes more integrated with the business, it will become more and more aligned with the way other elements of your business are judged. We need to ensure that we have the best data architecture, business case, and results, so as DEI becomes more of a board and c-suite issue, we have data that demonstrates its value to leadership.”
The societal impact is a critical aspect of DEI work as well, said David S. Cade of the American Health Law Association. “We are behind where we should be as a culture…the impact is beyond the organization. I’m hopeful that we continue to invest and find results that are positive because it has an impact on the broader society.”
Breakout sessions and discussions centered on many issues that clients are most interested in, ranging from ERGs and executing action plans to learning more about MicroVideos by The Diversity Movement, the company’s new microlearning platform that enables users to learn DEI fundamentals and more, in 2-5 minute videos.
According to Ousterout, “Our clients were able to use the first annual Client Summit as a way to learn from one another and share their stories, which is extremely valuable as they deepen and broaden their DEI programming.”
After the summit, attendees received The Diversity Movement’s new white paper “2021 In Review: Client Insights from The Diversity Movement,” which details key themes and insights drawn from the company’s 2021 client engagements. “In the past, DEI was rarely linked directly to profitability, productivity, collaboration, or other indicators of business success,” Ousterout said. “Now, DEI is a clear business imperative with an overwhelming body of data proving the strong connection between DEI strategy and improved business outcomes.”
The Diversity Movement and its clients are committed to sustainable, long-term, organization-wide DEI programs. The First Annual Client Summit was a showcase for leaders to come together – world-class businesses and organizations that are working every single day to create better workplaces, communities, and a stronger, more vibrant and just world.
Bob Batchelor, PhD, is Director of Business Intelligence & Content Strategy at The Diversity Movement as well as an award-winning cultural historian and author of 12 books, including Stan Lee: The Man Behind Marvel. Connect with him on Linkedin.
