Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resource Hub

Not so long ago, employers enthusiastically touted their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. But then the backlash set in. A growing number of employers–bowing to pressure from people opposed to what they see as “woke” policies–are dismantling their programs or at least being low-key about them. So now, many employers are exploring how they can capitalize on the benefits of DEI even in a changed environment.

Over the last few months, corporations have been rolling back the DEI initiatives implemented with much fanfare in 2020. This is unfortunate. What is needed is not a retreat, but its opposite: a deeper and more considered embrace of inclusive and diverse thinking. This is necessary not merely because inclusion and diversity are net positives in and of themselves, but because they are beneficial for business.

Terilyn Juarez Monroe didn’t plan for a career in HR, let alone leading people strategies at a cutting-edge healthcare company like Guardant Health. But her story is one of adaptability, purpose, and finding ways to bring people together to drive meaningful change. As Chief People Officer, Monroe combines her deep understanding of human dynamics with her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), helping to shape a culture that thrives on purpose-driven innovation, empathy, and wide compassion.

In American culture and social settings, it’s long been taboo to discuss one’s salary. Sharing that information around those who earn more can make the lower earner feel inferior. Sharing with those who earn less can feel like gloating. More broadly, most people feel it isn’t anyone else’s business how much they make. But things are different when it comes to the workplace.

Vandana Juneja has dedicated her career to shaping workplaces that are inclusive, equitable, and empowering. With a background spanning human resources (HR), law, and global consulting, Juneja’s diverse experiences uniquely equip her for her role as the DEI Officer at Thornton Tomasetti, a scientific and engineering consulting firm. In her own words, Juneja’s journey has always been about “connecting hearts and minds” and fostering environments where people feel “seen, heard, safe, and valued.”

Disparate treatment of women in the tech industry is, sadly, almost a cliché of that industry, even after years of attention focused on such problems, which include everything from pay disparities and uneven promotion rates to sexual harassment and even violence. But the negative impacts of this treatment don’t fall solely on female employees. Tech employers themselves risk losing out on female talent if they don’t address pervasive disparate treatment of their staffs.