Unlock the Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Q&A with Joyya Smith
In recent years, more and more businesses and organizations have created diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. These programs have made organizations more effective by diversifying their workforces and leadership, says Joyya Smith, vice president for diversity, access, and inclusion at Suffolk University. But much remains to be done.
Suffolk University’s Panel Discussion: Unlocking the Power of DEI
To help DEI practitioners chart their next steps, Suffolk is offering a free panel discussion on Monday, November 13, 2023. Titled “Unlock the Power of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” it will feature stories of successful programs, practical advice for executing DEI strategies, and chances to network. In this interview, Smith talks about the event and how it builds on the online DEI certificate program at Suffolk’s Center for Continuing & Professional Education (CCPE).
What do diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you?
When I think of diversity, I think of representation. Who’s able to sit at the table, and who’s missing from the table.
But it’s not enough to just be invited to the party. Inclusion is about whether we’re allowing those at the table the opportunity to really contribute. Are they able to really share and offer alternative ideas?
Equity is providing opportunities to ensure access. If there’s a person who requires additional support to be successful in a space, then being equitable is making sure they have those tools in place.
What does it mean to unlock the power of DEI?
When I think about the power of DEI, I think of the enormous impact that it can have if done properly. We know that, when it’s done correctly, DEI improves the bottom line. When leaders continue to support it, because they see its value and they understand its influence, it can make the organization more successful.
How will this event promote the power of DEI?
Unlocking the power of DEI requires ongoing intentional conversation. It’s important to bring people together in person, where they can meet one another and share what’s happening in their organizations.
That’s especially true as the field evolves. People want to know, what should we be doing now? What are some of the priorities that we need to take on? What are some of the ways that we can collaborate? How do we bring others into the work?
This event will try to provide our community members and corporate partners with insights and best practices, so that they feel more equipped and informed when they are developing and executing their own DEI programming.
What’s the format of the event?
I will ask a series of questions to the panelists. Each of them represents a different sector. I think that what each panelist has to share will help answer people’s questions about what they should be doing now. After that, we will have opportunities for folks to discuss some of the burning issues related to DEI right now. Then we’ll have a reception, so it should be a really fun afternoon.
Will there be opportunities to network?
Yes. For this event, networking is going to be the icing on the cake. When you hear what other people are working on, you’re able to do two things. You can add and contribute to what they’re doing. Or you can say, “Hey, we need that here. Can you come in and have an exchange with us on how we could move this forward?”
How did this event grow out of Suffolk’s online DEI certificate?
We have completed a full year with this certificate and had several cohorts go through the program. People seem to really enjoy the content and feel empowered to do something.
The coursework is online, but one of the best features is a virtual live session, where people can discuss the content and share what’s happening in their spaces. That helps to generate more ideas on how they can collaborate. To build on that, this event will bring people together in person, so that people can meet one another and have further conversations and networking.
What do you hope people will take away from this event?
One practical takeaway is to start off small. You don’t have to start with a huge plan. You can have that as your vision, but you can take smaller steps, and you can take one piece at a time.
Another takeaway is to start with your hiring practices. Examine where you’re sourcing candidates. Are you doing everything you can to increase the diversity of your pool?
Is the event just for people who’ve gotten the certificate?
No. We see it as a much broader group. We hope it will interest people in our leadership certificate program and people out in the community.
We want people to recognize that DEI is not just for DEI professionals. It’s for all of us. We can all find ways to make our workplaces ones where people want to engage and feel as though they belong.
If we do the work properly, at some point, we could even get away from the title of DEI. We’re not calling things diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices. We’re calling them simply the standard of practice.
Learn More about the Power of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
DEI is a key to success in today’s workplaces. Enrolling in a program like the DEI certificate program at Suffolk University’s CCPE can give practitioners the opportunity to learn a wide array of the latest strategies and tools for effective DEI work.
The program allows working professionals to take all coursework online. Discover more about how the certificate can empower you to promote DEI in your organization and become a stronger agent of change.
Recommended Readings
How to Build an Inclusive Workplace Culture