When I logged on to check my email the other day, in the midst of the spam and the action items, I found an uplifting email from Best Buddies International.  Best Buddies is a charitable organization whose focus is on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  The email was highlighting one of their program participants, her success in her job role, and the benefits of her employment both to her and the company.  It was a heart-warming story and made me smile.  While the heartwarming stories are important, it’s the last part of that sentence I want to highlight: the benefit to the company. 

In the corporate world, the terms diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) have become common. They are often used in meetings, seminars, and mission statements, but the real challenge lies in moving beyond buzzwords and addressing the fatigue that can accompany these concepts. To truly foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and belonging culture, organizations and individuals must go beyond the surface and actively engage in meaningful actions and discussions.