Great News!

DEI is Not Dead!

Author

Ama Agyapong
January 16, 2025

Hey, Ya’ll! 

I sent an email earlier this week letting you know that I still have a few openings to speak or train for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Juneteenth! Let’s discuss your 2025 inclusion goals—schedule a meeting with me here:

Okay … Are you ready … I HAVE GREAT NEWS!!!!! 

Join me on Saturday, February 8th, for a new training with our community, That Inclusion Family! You’ll be the first to experience my latest content, “Ain’t Nothing Micro About Your Aggression.” Here are the details:

  •   When: Saturday, Feb 8, 2025 7p-8:30p

  •   What: Navigating Microaggressions training 

  •   Where: zoom

  •   How Much: $50 

REGISTER NOW THROUGH EVENTBRITE!

Many companies are ending their DEI efforts, but you don’t have to. Inclusion starts with “I,” so keep doing the inner work to lead yourself, your community, and your company better. Register now—spots are limited to 40 for an intimate experience. As a newsletter subscriber, you get early access before I open it to everyone on social media after my cleanse ends on 1/28. This interactive training will sharpen your communication skills, helping you respond effectively to microaggressions.

Okay, back to business. Below is a Forbes article about the corporate DEI moonwalk that is taking place these days—enjoy! 

RESOURCE:

Meta, Amazon, McDonald’s: Marketing’s Role In The DEI Collapse:

REVELATION:

Major corporations like Meta, Amazon, and McDonald's are cutting back on DEI initiatives. The article stresses the vital role of marketing in upholding DEI by authentically representing diverse voices and prioritizing inclusion in brand identity. The article notes that economic downturns often lead to cuts in programs without clear profitability, fueling the debate on DEI's role and effectiveness in corporate America. 

I have a lot of thoughts and emotions, but in the meantime, ask yourself, how can I be the change I want to see? You do not need an initiative to be inclusive of other people. You can still ask yourself questions like:

  •  “Who else should be a part of this conversation?” Remember, nothing about us without us!

  • “What major identities are not represented on my team, friend group, or marketing materials?

  • “Who is or isn’t being served by this organizational change?

REFLECTION:

As you journal about embodying inclusion in your day-to-day interactions, reflect and answer the following questions for yourself:

  1. What specific behaviors or practices do I want to model for others?

  2. How do I handle conflicts or disagreements in a way that encourages growth and understanding?

  3. Do my actions create a culture of belonging at my job? If so, or if not, why?