How DEI Can Survive This Era of Backlash

by Lori Nishiura Mackenzie, Sarah A. Soule, Shelley J. Correll and Melissa C. Thomas-Hunt

September 10, 2024

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Summary.

Professionals and leaders who care about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organizations are facing a critical question: Is DEI dead in the U.S.?

Lori Nishiura Mackenzie is cofounder of the Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab, a keynote speaker, and a LinkedIn Learning instructor. She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics, innovation, and inclusive leadership. Read more about her at lorimackenzie.com and follow her on LinkedIn.

Sarah A. Soule is the Morgridge Professor of Organizational Behavior and the Sara Miller McCune Director of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. She studies organizational theory, social movements, and political sociology including topics like gender bias in the craft beer industry and the impact of women’s protest on congressional attention.

Shelley J. Correll is the Michelle Mercer and Bruce Golden Family Professor of Women’s Leadership at Stanford University and Director of the Stanford VMware Women’s Leadership Innovation Lab.

Melissa C. Thomas-Hunt is the John Forbes Distinguished Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business and Professor of Public Policy at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. She is the former Head of Global Diversity and Belonging at Airbnb where she led the strategy and execution of global internal diversity, belonging, and connection programs. For 25 years, she has taught MBAs and executives leadership, team dynamics, and negotiations and conducted research on connection and the factors that unleash, leverage, and amplify the contributions made by individuals in teams. Her book Inclusion Unlocked: A Guide for Leaders to Act was recently published by Wiley Press. She currently serves on the board of Airbnb.org, the Boys and Girls Club of Central Virginia, and Harlem Academy.

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How DEI Can Survive This Era of Backlash

Summary.

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