5 Things / better together
This week I learned that Intel, Dell, Nasdaq, NTT DATA, Snap Inc, and 8 others formed the Alliance for Global Inclusion to publicly commit to a number of key DEI initiatives. The Alliance has a holistic set of goals, including an increase in underrepresented people in leadership roles, inclusive product design, and inclusive language.
Similarly, in Massachusetts, several breweries teamed up to create Hop Forward Equality. This initiative began with a diversity career fair last year, and now has a website full of ideas on how other craft breweries can advance DEI. The program has a number of partner organizations which provide resources and training for members. The website is full of great resources for any organization beginning their DEI journey.
These alliances matter because there's built in collaboration, resource sharing, and accountability. This work requires long-term commitment, and organizations will go further, faster, if they don't go it alone.
Here are some other good vibes I found this week:
Last June, like many companies, Mattel made commitments to the Black community and specific commitments around Barbie. Now they're updating the world on their progress towards these commitments (spoiler alert: they're doing great, and their shares reflect that). This matters because Mattel is holding itself accountable for significant policy changes that can truly increase representation.
Major business leaders launched a $250 million fund to find anti-Asian discrimination and encourage more inclusion of AAPI accomplishments in school curriculums. The Asian-American Foundation has partners such as Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Walmart, and the National Basketball Association. This matters because the initiatives aim to both celebrate and protect a historically overlooked "model minority". The $250 million total contribution is the largest single philanthropic gift devoted to Asian Americans, according to Pew Research.
MarketAxess, an electronic trading platform, improved their technology to enable clients to more easily trade with minority-, women- and veteran-owned broker dealers. The update allows clients to choose a "diversity" dealer (which will help them meet compliance), and in turn, expands these dealers' access to trading partners. This matters because it attempts to create greater equity and begin to bridge wealth gaps.
Photo by: Christian Management