Five Diversity and Inclusion Thought Leaders You Need to Know

Stop for a moment and think about a time in your life where you felt excluded, devalued, or judged because you were different.

Now consider what it would feel like to have that experience during daily interactions with coworkers, managers, and strangers on the street.

Unfortunately, this is the reality we live in. However, there is a glimmer of hope when you read about the incredible diversity and inclusion thought leaders fighting against injustice and discrimination. Want to learn more about these wonderful people? Keep reading!

1. Candice Morgan

Candice Morgan has made diversity and inclusion her life's work for over 10 years. She was the Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Pinterest where she created strategic initiatives to support an inclusive workplace while bringing diversity to the tech world. She now works for GV (Google Ventures) trying to bring diversity and equality to the many technology companies in Silicon Valley. 

2. Asif Sadiq

Asif has several accolades to his name - the Mosaic Award for mentoring, the Civil Servant of the Year award, and the Police Officer of the Year Award - just to name a few. He was even honored as a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)! He has worked for over 15 years in the field of diversity and inclusion and continues to do so as the Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Adidas.

3. Adelmise Warner

Adelmise Warner is the Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Learning and Development for Sirius XM and Pandora. She is helping Pandora meet their diversity goals and adopt an inclusive workplace. Her personal story, vision for the future, and insights on putting the employee first are inspirational.

4. Cynthia Owyoung

Cynthia Owyoung is the Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion at Charles Schwab, and she is the founder of Breaking Glass Forums. Breaking Glass Forums leads diversity and inclusion initiatives promoting employee and employer engagement. Cynthia Owyoung brings her diversity-centric mindset to various facets of business, from talent management to product research and development.

5. Iris Bohnet

Iris Bohnet is the Academic Dean of Harvard Kennedy Business School. Her experience in economics and psychology helps her to bring a unique perspective to the value of diversity in business and society. Iris Bohnet is the author of the book What Works: Gender Equality by Design. This book focuses on the importance of gender equality and institutional organizational change.

What Diversity and Inclusion Thought Leaders Can Teach Us All

These diversity and inclusion thought leaders should inspire us all to create healthy, safe spaces to live, work, and play.

Building environments and organizational systems that support all types of people should be a priority for every school, business, and society as a whole. Leaders like the ones above are challenging the norms of our culture that have systematically excluded individuals and groups for being different.  

Be a part of the change! For more information on inclusivity, especially for those with physical disabilities, join The Driving Force today.

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