In a recent collaborative venture in San Diego, Slone Partners and California Life Sciences (CLS) assembled a dynamic group of human resources, talent acquisition, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) champions for insightful discussions and brainstorming on the topic of building positive and inclusive workplace cultures while navigating evolving priorities.
Navigating Shifting Priorities
Three years after many organizations made initial pledges to enhance DEI, some have made minimal progress toward their goals. The interruption in momentum is influenced by a variety of factors.
Building a Toolbox for Success
A primary focus of the workshop was to equip participants with a toolbox of strategies to navigate the ever-shifting landscape of organizational priorities while steadfastly staying committed to DEI goals. Through interactive sessions, the group discussed practical approaches to weave basic DEI principles into the fabric of daily operations. From recruitment practices to employee engagement initiatives, the participants left with a set of action items to begin implementing.
Ensuring DEI Efforts are Ingrained in Company Culture
One of the highlights of the workshop was a discussion about how to ensure that DEI efforts are not just standalone initiatives but an integral part of a company’s workplace culture. The participants explored ways to embed diversity and inclusion into the organizational DNA, fostering a sustainable and enduring commitment to these principles. Through case studies and group exercises, the workshop provided a roadmap for organizations to authentically integrate DEI into their core values.
Brainstorming and Identifying Tools
The collaborative spirit of the workshop was genuinely exemplified during the brainstorming sessions. The diverse group of participants drew upon their varied perspectives and experiences to exchange a vast range of thoughts and ideas. From sharing success stories to collectively problem-solving, the participants were left with a sense of camaraderie and an array of tools and strategies to use in their respective roles.
Avoiding Performative DEI
(From L to R): Yamilex Peña, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Project Manager at California Life Sciences and Candace Nortey, Managing Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Slone Partners.
“Our recent workshop in San Diego was a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to DEI goals,” said Candace Nortey, Slone Partners’ Managing Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “As the participants departed, they carried with them insights and strategies and a renewed sense of purpose to champion positive change within their organizations. The journey towards a more inclusive future had begun.”