What is DEI? It's just a buzzword.

I had a personal experience recently where I was explaining what I do for work. I excitedly shared that as a Human Resources professional my work includes an emphasis on DEI.?

Someone turned to me and asked, “What is DEI?”

My immediate reaction was confusion. How could they not be aware? Where have they been? I paused and immediately realized that they were not in the corporate world, they were not a person of color, but more importantly that this could be such a valuable teaching moment. I was getting ready to share my answer and was working on the right thing to say. Suddenly, someone else jumped in and replied “It’s just a buzzword.”

A buzzword. It’s just a buzzword.?

I couldn't exactly define what I was feeling at the moment, but I knew that I couldn’t respond with my own definition at that moment anymore. I just moved on with the rest of the conversation and changed the subject. I knew it would need to be addressed but not quite yet. Something had been unlocked in me and I needed a minute to process, understand, and work to respond accordingly.?

I’m passionate about the work, have helped raise so much awareness, and have spent so much of myself personally and professionally for years. I just wasn't able to jump in and provide that learning opportunity at the moment. Why not??

As someone who identifies as diverse in more ways than one, this wasn’t just about what I do for work anymore. It was personal. I felt so vulnerable. Worse, I felt invisible.

After lots of reflection (and many emotions), I realized I was so upset because they unfortunately are right. It is just a buzzword. A term thrown around so frequently I feel it has lost its true meaning. We rushed to hire for it, we made commitments and pledges, and yet recent layoffs are affecting DEI roles hard.?

If it remains just a buzzword, then I and many others remain invisible. I know we won’t be able to solve this very multilayered and complex issue anytime soon. What I can do is continue to help raise awareness, even if it is one person at a time.

We’ve been treating DEI like it’s a noun. Just a thing we say. It’s not. It’s a verb. It’s a call to action. In fact, there are three calls to action.?

I needed to write my own definition of these separate and unique verbs in hopes to be ready the next time this situation happens…because it will.

DEI = Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity - the act of bringing in people from all backgrounds and abilities and providing them with positions of influence and authority to affect change.

Equity - With the understanding that everyone is coming in with different abilities, experiences and privileges, actively providing everyone with the opportunities and resources needed to succeed.

Inclusion - actively and continuously building a safe space so everyone can show up as their full authentic selves.

So the next time someone asks me, “What is DEI?”...I'll be ready. I’m not invisible and neither are you. They’re just not yet aware of your power and potential if you’re able to show up authentically.?

I offer up my own definition for you to share or use to create your own. Let’s continue to help raise awareness, even if it is just one person at a time.