DEI, DEAI, DE&I…

Many of us talk about the significance of DEI, DE&I or DEAI, but what about the impacts on your business or organizations’ success?

First, let’s go over the basics. What exactly is DEAI?

D- Diversity

E- Equity

A- Access

I- Inclusion

Now, let’s talk about what it means:

Here are the definitions of DEAI as provided by the Alliance of American Museums:

Diversity

Diversity is all the ways that people are different at the individual and group levels. Organizational diversity requires examining and questioning the makeup of a group to ensure that multiple perspectives are represented.

Equity

Equity is the fair and just treatment of all members of a community.

Access

Accessibility is giving equitable access to everyone along the range of human ability and experience.

Inclusion

Inclusion refers to the intentional, ongoing effort to ensure that diverse individuals fully participate in all aspects of organizational work, including decision-making processes. It also refers to the ways that diverse participants are valued as respected members of an organization and/or community.

DEAI is important to Valley of the Sun United Way.

In early 2020, Valley of the Sun United Way began implementing DEAI into our goals to answer to our community’s top priorities. DEAI is woven throughout MC2026, our five-year plan for Mighty Change in Maricopa County, which is essential to close gaps and increase access for often marginalized communities.

“Our focus is to create a more equitable future in this community so everyone can succeed.” – Carla Vargas Jasa, President and CEO of VSUW

Carla Vargas Jasa, President and CEO of Valley of the Sun United Way, joined a panel of guests on the Social Television Network (STN) to discuss the importance of DEAI to a business’ bottom line.

“Our problem to solve is being aware of each other.” – Jim Goulka, Chairman of Arizona Tech Investors

Jim Goulka, chairman of Arizona Tech Investors (ATI), talked about the importance of access for everyone. ATI invests in small companies, startups and entrepreneurs in the tech and medical fields. Goulka says they have found that many people of color don’t know they even exist. He says, “If there is great company here and we don’t get to see it, we lose. If the entrepreneurs don’t have access to people like us to get funded, they lose.”

“…You don’t have to be a Jay-Z, Beyonce to impact your world and impact your community” – Lloyd Hopkins, Founder of Million Dollar Teacher Project

Jasa and STN host, Eric Sperling were also joined by CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Valley of the Sun United Way board member, Monica Villalobos, Million Dollar Project Founder, Lloyd Hopkins, and CEO of Avid Consulting, Dr. Cindy Banton.

Watch the full STN episode.

Valley of the Sun United Way is proud to partner with STN to create Mighty Change in Maricopa County.