Founded in 2004, Celebrate Diversity Month is observed every April to celebrate the differences that make us unique while also honoring the common threads of humanity that bind us together across race, sex, gender, nationality, sexuality, faith, ethnicity, and more. The month originated out of the advocacy of two diversity-focused consulting firms, ProGroup Inc. and Diversity Best Practices, and it has been observed every April since then.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging have become major buzzwords in workplaces and even our greater society over the last several years. This month hopes to remind us of all the good that comes from a diverse society where everyone feels included, empowered, and able to share with one another and learn from each other. In many ways, diversity makes us stronger and more able to connect with one another – even when we disagree. When we bring in more points of view and come to the table with a commitment to respect and curiosity, we grow our worldview, discover ideas we might never have thought of on our own, and work together toward a world where all are welcome and where all have the opportunity to shine in their own unique ways.
As this month’s observations celebrate their 20th anniversary this year, we’re sharing insights into our commitment to DEI&B here at Blue Rock Search. My own experience with DEI&B stretches back throughout my life and career, including my time at Cornell University, when I learned the meaning of the term “edu-tate”: to educate and agitate simultaneously to produce necessary change.
Throughout my career, I’ve investigated the growing body of research underscoring the financial benefits for organizations that actively pursue developing a diverse workforce. This isn’t just theoretical; the tangible benefits of diversity have been echoed in the numerous conversations I’ve had with clients. Those who’ve embraced diversity in their hiring practices often share stories of how it ushered in fresh ideas and innovative approaches within their teams.
Often, conversations with clients led our team to deeper research and a resulting blog post, sharing what we learned on a topic. Here are three of our most popular articles illustrating the myriad ways in which a focus on DEI can enrich your organization:
Your DE&I Journey – HR’s Role in Eliminating Bias in the Hiring Process
Bias is a fact of human nature, and it’s up to HR teams to mitigate the effects of implicit and explicit bias in the hiring process. Get expert tips on identifying types of bias and instituting practices to make hiring more inclusive and improve diversity.
Fostering Inclusion: Setting People and Organizations Up for Success
Hear from an experienced Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer about what it really means – and what it takes – to build an inclusive workplace and support employees’ success.
Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Credibility: Pillars of DEI
Get a fresh perspective on DEI from one of today’s top leaders. Blue Rock spoke with one high-profile advocacy leader to learn more about three key elements that leaders can use to advance inclusion in their organizations.
As a corporate leader, you play a crucial role in building an inclusive future where every voice matters, and diversity is seen as a strength. Diversity Awareness Month reminds us that creating a welcoming workplace where all employees can thrive lets us tap into the enormous potential that diversity offers.
By Ruben Moreno
About the Author
After a 25-year career in Corporate Human Resources and HR Executive Search, Ruben Moreno and his two partners co-founded Blue Rock Search based on a simple but ambitious vision of creating a firm that would “Change Lives and Organizations One Relationship at a Time.” Ruben leads the Blue Rock HR & Diversity Executive Search practice specializing in the identification, assessment, recruitment, and onboarding of Chief HR Officers and Chief Diversity Officers and their respective teams — inclusive of leaders in Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, HRBP’s, Learning & OD, HR Technology, HR Operations, and HR Analytics. Ruben has helped place hundreds of HR Executives and built deep relationships within the CHRO community across multiple industry verticals. His clients consider him a trusted partner who takes the time to understand their business and add value beyond executive search.