The Impact of Action and DEI Initiatives

By: Mia Cadle, Chairman of NMGZ

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered by police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since that day, the movement of racial reckoning has been spoken of nonstop. According to the Carnegie Endowment of International Peace, this movement is calling for more intentional efforts of national proposals for truth and racial healing. But what does this mean for companies? 
This September, I took a trip to New York City with the National Millennial Generation Z Community to meet with different executives from companies like Padilla, R/GA, and Nielsen. Here is where I learned the answer to that question for many companies: action. 
Action is a word that means many things, but according to Google, the term can be used to describe the fact or process of doing something, particularly to achieve an aim. The aim of action in companies should be to create a cycle and one that supports their employees and puts an emphasis on the well-being of their employees. 

Action means supporting employees with resources. Diversity, equity and inclusion are great examples of a resource within a company. By providing marginalized groups support, companies show their dedication to supporting their employees. 

When employees feel supported, they will have more confidence, meaning they will have more drive to take initiative. Whether on a new project or a new group within the company, the initiative is needed because it restarts the cycle. 

Companies like R/GA, a marketing firm dedicated to innovating product experiences, brand strategy, and marketing communications, are taking steps to ensure that action is seen everywhere. 

In the diversity of their staff, their clients and their work. Companies like R/GA strive to show they are not just a company that creates campaigns but that they are a company that stands by their people. 

Diversity, equity and inclusion was here before the death of George Floyd, and it will be here long after, but not without an emphasis on action. There will only be true impact when action backs words. 
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Before taking this trip, I had only a brief understanding of what DEI marginalized groups need for success, yet now I understand. Diversity, equity and inclusion need action and people willing to stand by them on the journey they will take. 

Photos from Mia Cadle, Chairman of NMGZ