Connect, Convene and Collaborate: Walking the Talk on DEI

Dr. Amanda Taylor (Biography)

Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, American University

Key Takeaways:

• While an organization’s public diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) statements are an important first step, the work must not stop there.
• Organizations need to show their clients that their stated commitment to racial and social justice is more than just a marketing campaign.
• 3 ways organizations can “walk the talk” of DEI:

1. Connect your commitments to internal organizational practices, such as ensuring diverse representation at all levels of the organization, using equitable hiring practices and conducting internal climate assessments.
2. Convene your members, staff and stakeholders around key racial and social justice topics to share learning and best practices during annual conferences or professional development opportunities.
3. Collaborate with nonprofit organizations, universities or local organizations to support innovation and build partnerships to deepen impact.

Additional Resources:

• https://www.american.edu/president/diversity/inclusive-excellence/
• https://www.american.edu/centers/antiracism/