UXPA Boston Conference 2022

Over the past decade, every historically white industry has had to examine their ability to attract, hire, and retain diverse talent. Design is no exception. In fact, it is a reflection of the rule. Many firms have been successful in their pursuit of building more diverse teams, but are they prepared for what comes next?

People of color are not a homogenous group with a single shared identity, but one thing we have in common is our lack of whiteness. That gap is filled with historical, cultural, and economic differences. Organizations are unprepared to respond to these differences, but they don’t need to be.

I will share stories from my own experience as a person of color, as well as stories from colleagues and friends to illustrate the deep, complex differences that act as invisible barriers to an inclusive workplace. These stories will illustrate the awkward discomfort generated by uncalculated organizational decision making. The consequences are unintended, but their effects are real.

I will conclude by providing five distinct principles to guide organizational leadership as they transition from becoming diverse to being inclusive. Each principle will build on the challenges described in the previous stories. I will also explain how they might play out in your organization.

Ultimately, the stories and principles will help you understand how to begin evolving as an organization with your newly diverse talent pool.

Do these challenges and promises sound familiar? Come hang.