LATINA Style, Inc. 30 Years of Championing Diversity and Inclusion The Future of DEI
By Marisa Rivera
A heartfelt congratulations to LATINA Style on your 30th anniversary! For three decades, you have been a beacon of support and dedication, promoting, advocating, and honoring the power, leadership, entrepreneurship, and immense contributions Latinas make to the nation's success. Latinas have enriched the American landscape, experience, and economy with their brilliance, boldness, and hard work.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Call to Action
While Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives face challenges and resistance, accurate information, resilience, and a renewed focus on the core reasons for DEI are crucial. The term (DEI) has existed for decades but gained prominence in 2020 following the social justice movement after the murder of George Floyd. Since then, DEI has driven progress for marginalized groups in recruitment, promotion, and participation in decision-making. It opened the door to discuss discrimination, racial inequalities, and gender biases – topics previously silenced in many organizations. Progress, though slow, was undeniable.
The Backlash and the Path Forward
However, the 2023 Supreme Court decision against Affirmative Action in Colleges and Universities has fueled a backlash against DEI. Businesses are rebranding or eliminating initiatives, fearing legal threats. This "colorblind" approach ignores the realities of our society. America must confront its history of racism and discrimination to achieve true equality. Real inclusion requires conscious effort and creating spaces where everyone feels comfortable being their authentic selves.
Celebrating Progress, Demanding More
The recent setbacks should not diminish the progress made. Remember, DEI is not only the right thing to do—it is also good for business. We cannot be complacent. We must keep making the business case for DEI, highlighting the financial benefits of a diverse workforce. A McKinsey & Co. study (Nov. 2023) found companies with the highest racial, ethnic, and gender diversity outperform less diverse counterparts by 39 percent. Regardless of how we rename it, rebrand it or address it, we must continue to demand justice and equality for ALL. By embracing humanity over numbers, companies can create organizational cultures that celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and foster a sense that everyone belongs, while also making money.
LATINA Style, Inc., A Role Model for Inclusion
I am proud of the work LATINA Style, Robert Bard, Lupita Colmenero, and the entire staff have done to continue Anna Maria’s legacy. Thank you, LATINA Style, for your unwavering commitment to equity and equality for women and Latinas over the past 30 years. Your dedication inspires us all. Here is to another 30 years of championing diversity and paving the way for a more inclusive future!
Marisa Rivera is president of Mpowerment Works, a motivational speaker, executive coach and leadership and empowerment consultant. Marisa@ MpowermentWorks. com.
