In today’s polarized environment, the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has never been more critical — or more challenged.
As women in the technology industry, you are at the forefront of this transformative movement, facing unique obstacles and opportunities. But in a time of increased scrutiny and pushback, how can we continue to make meaningful progress on the very real DEI issues that impact our workplaces and communities?
This is the big question that will guide our upcoming live session: How can an organization continue to make progress on DEI during a time of increased scrutiny and pushback?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion gained momentum in the wake of the 2020 racial reckoning, with companies making bold commitments to address systemic discrimination and bias. However, as with any significant change, this movement has encountered fierce resistance, amplified by a highly polarized society.
Yet, the presence of backlash does not negate the importance of DEI; in fact, it underscores the need for organizations to double down on their commitments to attract and retain the next generation of talent.
In the session, we will explore the current state of DEI — how we arrived here and where we are headed. We will break down DEI in clear business terms, ensuring that your strategies are not only impactful but also resilient in the face of legal and cultural challenges. You’ll learn about the essential elements of an effective DEI program and gain practical strategies to address and overcome resistance from both leaders and employees.
We will examine real-world examples to provide concrete insights, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask those tough questions you’ve been holding back.
By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:
1. Anchor Your DEI Strategy to Measurable Business Outcomes
To anchor your DEI strategy to measurable business outcomes, you must first establish a clear connection between DEI initiatives and your organization’s broader goals. You can achieve this by identifying key metrics, linking DEI to performance, and integrating DEI into business plans.
2) Craft a Meaningful DEI Strategy That Can Withstand Political and Cultural Scrutiny
In today’s environment, it’s essential to build a DEI strategy that is not only effective, but also resilient to external challenges. Key considerations include grounding your strategy in data, aligning to the legal landscape, and preparing for pushback.
3) Address Concerns From Leaders and Employees, Transforming Resistance Into Enthusiastic Support
To transform resistance into support, it’s important to address concerns head on and demonstrate the tangible benefits of DEI. You can do that by listening actively and creating an ongoing dialogue, demonstrating quick wins, and involving leaders as champions and mentors
Join us for this essential conversation and equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to continue moving the needle on DEI in your organization. Your voice and leadership in this space are more important now than ever! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a real impact.
The live event, “The Backlash: Moving the Needle on DEI in a Time of Opposition,” takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. CT. The session is free for SWE members. Register today to reserve your spot!
