Ileisha Sanders

expert panel

Becoming a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leader is not just a career choice; it's a profound journey shaped by transformative experiences. Each DEI leader carries a unique story, often marked by pivotal moments that have left an indelible mark on their paths. Below, a panel of DEI Think Tank members from diverse backgrounds and industries share their stories to uncover the most impactful work-related experiences that molded them into advocates for change. From confronting systemic bias to fostering inclusive cultures, their stories offer invaluable insights into the profound impact of these experiences on the evolution of DEI leadership. 

expert panel

Even today – perhaps even more so today – it’s not uncommon for colleagues to question or criticize DEI initiatives. Sometimes, that pushback comes from fellow executives or influential department heads. How confident you are as a DEI leader in navigating conversations with DEI skeptics has a lot to do with two key factors: 1. how well you’ve quantified DEI’s impact on your organization’s strategic objectives and 2. how much support you have from the CEO. We asked members of the Senior Executive DEI Think Tank – a criteria-based organization for DEI decision-makers at large companies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies – to share their playbooks for responding to DEI pushback from internal sources. Consider the following.