As we navigate past the pandemic, companies are facing the effects of the “great resignation.” Diversity and inclusion are no longer a nice to have, but an essential part of a company to thrive and grow. Research has proven over time that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices contribute to organizational success, such as 70% more likely than their peers to capture new markets or 25% more financial returns above the national industry mean for companies that are top quartile for gender diverse executive teams.

I remember my mom would make sure I had a quarter in my pocket in case I had to make an emergency call while out with friends. The quarter obviously for the payphone. Do you remember using the payphone? How about when watching your first music video? MTV was a big thing back in the early 80s. Some of us can remember those firsts in our culture yet for some of our colleagues, that transition from “how it was” to “how it is” did not happen. It just always was.

I grew up in the best place ever. My neighborhood was diverse, just like my family. We are Mexican, Puerto Rican, Black, and all American. I had no idea that I was different or that I was a minority. I believed that what we practiced in our home was the same as every other American.