Introduction to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B)
Mahatma Gandhi reminds us to "Be the change you wish to see in the world." In an ever-changing world, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) allows us all to be the change we want to see.
IACET is committed to developing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Program with continual education, support, and enforcement of its program. IACET, as the leader in providing continuous education and training, and accreditation understands the importance of promoting an environment that is all-inclusive.
"Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In addition to our commitment to allyship, we want to acknowledge our efforts in moving towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. As we move forward, our new program will ensure equitable decision-making both in creating a more diverse workforce and in ensuring an equitable and inclusive environment for everyone.
IACET will be engaging and supporting staff training on DEI topics including overcoming unconscious bias, recognizing, and addressing microaggressions, understanding the link between diversity and preventing workplace harassment, and moving out of our comfort zones into difficult conversations.
Diversity is the cornerstone of community. We all have a duty to promote inclusivity as we continue to fight for equality for all. If you hear something, see something, or said something that violates our program, let someone know or, if you are comfortable, provide some feedback yourself.
Creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture requires working together, developing a long-term strategy, allocating sufficient resources, and coordinating communications, training, and continual education. We acknowledge that there are many more steps on this journey. We will get there – together!
About the Author
Graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration on management from Strayer University in 2008. She works closely with the Council on Standards Development assisting the Standard Consensus Body, and/or committees with their Standards development projects and editing and maintaining IACET standards and publications. Before IACET, Teshia worked as a Technical Writer with large and small government contracting firms for more than 20 years with the last six as a Proposal Writer throughout the DC, Maryland and Virginia locale.
“I believe that my background in technical writing and documentation development will allow for a nice transition into assisting the IACET Standards Department,” Payne said. “I look forward to working with all of the different people that contribute to our standards’ process and to continue to build on the strong reputation and success of promoting and enhancing the quality of continuing education and training.”