Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Exploring the Next Steps When the Past Remains Ignored?

Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Exploring the Next Steps When the Past Remains Ignored?

In the midst of increasing criticism, the Future of DEI Virtual Summit aims to revitalize the conversation surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This groundbreaking event, masterminded by identity and belonging coach Erin Corine Johnson, forgoes the usual panels and professional keynotes in favor of open dialogues, global perspectives, and a community of change-makers working towards collective liberation.

For Johnson, a multidisciplinary artist and community organizer, the summit is not a reaction to the current political climate, but a response to the realization that many DEI practices have been ineffective in safeguarding their intended audience. "While the current administration has certainly accelerated much of the socio-political upheaval we're experiencing, the real root cause is years of performative policymaking without a sustainable and accountable practice to back those policies," she said. "This summit is for those asking, 'What can I do now?'"

The summit spans five days and includes a variety of discussions, panels, and fireside chats, all revolving around the central questions: What lies ahead for DEI, and how can we spur change outside of unstable institutions? The summit boasts a diverse pool of speakers, from digital educators to antiracist scholars, all of whom have felt the tremors of DEI backlash and found innovative ways to persevere.

For example, Blair Imani, creator of the Smarter in Seconds series, will share creative approaches to inclusive education. "Even as these harsh policies turn their backs on equity," Imani said, "we do not have to surrender. We can innovate."

Crossing the Atlantic, anti-racism educator and author Desirée Bela-Lobedde will highlight the often-overlooked racism in Spain and address the myth that DEI is solely an American issue. "In Spain...many believe antiracist work is only necessary elsewhere," she said. "I hope to inspire attendees to reflect on their own contexts, question what they've been taught, and feel empowered to contribute actively to antiracist transformation wherever they are." Bela-Lobedde's Laboratorio de Deconstruccion, a virtual learning space, demonstrates the future of DEI: rooted in lived experience and sustained by the community.

Parents Louis and Arlene Byrd, both entrepreneurs and summit panelists, will address discussions on how to talk to children about racism. Their session, "How to Talk to Kids About Racism," tackles the challenging but essential task of educating kids about systems of inequality while preserving their innocence and fostering hope.

When asked about the future of DEI, Louis responded bluntly, "I believe the future of DEI lies in ownership. Ownership of businesses, infrastructure, neighborhoods, and communities."

What sets the Future of DEI Summit apart is its aim to bring in everyday people. "Over the past year and a half, I've noted that the gap between those practicing DEI, particularly at an organizational level, and those DEI was intended to serve has grown deeper," Johnson explained. "Not only are people struggling to understand what DEI is actually achieving in their companies...but everyday people don't comprehend how they, too, can make a difference from their current positions."

Johnson believes the backlash against DEI is not a reason to retreat, but an invitation to rebuild something better. "Anti-DEI activists will come for us regardless of what we call it," she said. "What happens when we care for one another, build our own tables, and feed our own communities in spite of them?" This embodiment of Johnson's mission—radical care, community building, and sustained resistance—shines through in every speaker, whether it's Imani's enthusiasm for transnational solidarity, Bela-Lobedde's invitation for a greater racial reckoning in Europe, or the Byrds' commitment to raising conscious, aware children. The message is clear: DEI is not dying; it is being reborn—outside corporations, beyond catchphrases, and in the hands of the community, who have never needed permission to do the work in the first place.

1. The Future of DEI Virtual Summit aims to revitalize the conversation surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), moving away from traditional panels and keynotes.
2. Erin Corine Johnson, an identity and belonging coach, has organized this event, focusing on open dialogues and global perspectives.
3. Johnson views the summit as a response to ineffective DEI practices that have failed to protect their intended audience.
4. The summit spans five days and covers a range of topics, including creative approaches to inclusive education and the overlooked racism in Spain.
5. Blair Imani, creator of the Smarter in Seconds series, will share her insights on innovative education and sustaining equity in the face of harsh policies.
6. Desirée Bela-Lobedde, an anti-racism educator and author, will discuss the myth of DEI being solely an American issue, focusing on racism in Spain.
7. Louis and Arlene Byrd, entrepreneurs and summit panelists, will tackle the challenging task of educating children about racism in their session, "How to Talk to Kids About Racism."
8. Louis Byrd believes the future of DEI lies in ownership of businesses, infrastructure, neighborhoods, and communities.
9. The summit aims to bring in everyday people who may feel disconnected from DEI practices at a corporate level.
10. Johnson views the backlash against DEI as an opportunity to rebuild something better, focusing on radical care, community building, and sustained resistance.
11. Transnational solidarity, racial reckoning in Europe, and raising conscious, aware children are just some of the messages embodied by the summit's speakers.
12. The summit underscores that DEI is not dying; instead, it is being reborn—outside corporations, beyond catchphrases, and in the hands of the community.
13. In addition to DEI discussions, the summit also includes panels and fireside chats about topics such as sports, fashion, food, relationships, pets, travel, careers, personal growth, education, shopping, and sports betting.
14. The WNBA, NBA, NCAABasketball, sports-betting, basketball analysis, weather forecasting, and even car races are examples of areas where DEI issues can be addressed and improved.

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