As DMi Partners embarks on the journey to become a more diverse and inclusive organization we know that engaging and empowering our team is a crucial part of that process. Therefore, we are providing our employees with resources that increase competence in starting and/or participating in meaningful conversations. One of the ways we are contributing to that initiative is through the launch of fireside chats. Our fireside Chats are facilitated by diversity and inclusion experts that foster a discussion around our personal connection to our company-wide efforts.

A vital aspect of our fireside chats has been having leadership share their experiences around diversity and inclusion. For our most recent chat, Zach Labenberg, VP of Client Success talked about his journey engaging in conversation and action around topics of diversity and inclusion. Zach shared about his connection to these topics and how it connects to his work at DMi. He also shared about the benefits he sees for the future of DMi as we continue to grow in our awareness of these topics. We hope to encourage more employees at all levels to participate in future fireside conversations.

Before our most recent fireside chat on March 3rd, we began our empathy circle meetings, which provides us an opportunity to actively listen to our colleagues as they share their experiences. In these circles colleagues with different opinions are given space to discuss their thoughts respectfully and without letting the conversation escalate into an argument. Whether it is how they make sense of current events or an insightful Ted Talk they want to share, empathy circles allow us to engage and get a sense of what others are hearing and feeling in a deeper, more compassionate way. As we continue to host empathy circle discussions, we hope discussing complex issues and articulating our thoughts becomes second nature to us.

In addition to the fireside chats and empathy circles, monthly updates keep team members apprised of what is helping to drive our diversity and inclusion initiatives forward and how they can get involved. One such aspect is coming up at the beginning of April and is our third training session, dialogues across differences, for all employees. Through these initiatives, DMi is building a workplace motivating positive behaviors conducive to creating equality and maintaining inclusion.

The response from the DMi Partners team has been positive as we all understand that diversity ignites innovation and inclusion promotes effective collaboration. Diversity and inclusion are more than a pledge, we manifest our commitment through our actions and our words. We are committed to supporting a diverse team through equitable practices that will sustain diversity and inclusion for the long haul.