Episode Summary

In this episode of the Race in the Workplace podcast, host Joanna Shoffner Scott discusses a significant change in her professional journey. She has decided to move away from using the term DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and instead focus on racial equity as a core organizational practice. Joanna believes this shift better aligns with her principles and brings more clarity and effectiveness to her work in organizational development. Whether you are leading a nonprofit or another type of organization, this episode provides thought-provoking insights and actionable takeaways.


Key Takeaways:

1. Unpacking the Decision to Leave DEI Behind: Joanna shares the journey that led her to stop using the term DEI. She explains that while DEI—as a term—is widely recognized, it has become too broad and sometimes misrepresents the depth of cross-cutting approaches to embed racial equity. By making this move, Joanna aims for greater clarity and alignment in her client work.

2. The Connection Between Organizational Development and Racial Equity: If leaders encounter equity challenges within their organizations, there is a good chance there are also equity concerns. Joanna underscores that her focus on systems and structures is critical in creating equitable workplaces. She explains how organizational structures often support inequities and must be tackled at a foundational level for sustainable change.

3. Communicate Commitments with Clarity: Joanna emphasizes the importance of clarity in how leaders describe their equity commitments. For her, moving away from the DEI terminology is not just about language but about clarity of purpose. She reassures the audience that a clear understanding of their language around equity is critical to a consistent commitment to building equitable organizations that align with their mission, vision, and values.

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