Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is much more than just celebrating Pride month. It is a cultural shift and change in corporate mindset that can be enhanced by hiring a DEI Director. If you’re looking to incorporate a DEI Director in your firm’s leadership, here are some things to consider…

Determine your DEI mission statement

The best diversity statements include:

• the company’s mission and a commitment to diversity
• mention of specific underrepresented groups
• positive and inclusive language with unique information or benefits for diverse groups *

Create a task force or committee of diverse people throughout your organization to actively participate in this process

“The Culture Committee for our firm is comprised of colleagues in various roles and stages in their careers. We all have different perspectives, backgrounds, and firm roles. However we have a unified goal to enrich and strengthen the employee experience. The most rewarding part of that, recently, is having the opportunity to contribute to the firm's path forward in a more equitable and diverse future by collectively identifying what qualities a DEI leader would uphold. To play a small part of that process was impressionable and rewarding. I left feeling like I had a voice (which can be difficult in a large, multi-office organization) and helped the firm take a small step forward to a better future for its employees, clients, and the community.” – Megan Kopacko, SSOE | Stevens & Wilkinson

Create a respectful environment where everyone has a voice

• This again may be a cultural shift that starts at the top
• Have open discussions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Develop employee resource groups to provide additional awareness and educational opportunities

Develop goals but not specific tasks; they will develop naturally

Create metrics to gauge success of DEI Directors' initiatives

• These will depend on your specific goals but employee surveys is one way to gauge success

Resources:

Out & Equal - Workplace Advocates for LGBTQ+ employees (https://outandequal.org/). Out & Equal partners with organizations looking to create safe, supportive, and respectful environments for LGBTQ employees

*Source: ongig.com