Celeste R. Warren - How to Be a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador: Everyones Role in Helping All Feel Accepted, Engaged, and Valued

How to Be a Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador

Copyright 2022 by Celeste Warren

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First Edition

Paperback print edition ISBN 978-1-5230-0145-3

PDF e-book ISBN 978-1-5230-0146-0

IDPF e-book ISBN 978-1-5230-0147-7

Digital audio ISBN 978-1-5230-0148-4

2022-1

Cover design and illustration: Sophie Greenbaum. Author photo: Aliza Schlabach Photography. Book producer and text designer: Leigh McLellan Design. Copyeditor: Kate McKinley. Proofreader: Mary Hazlewood. Indexer: Ken DellaPenta.

I dedicate this book to my parents, who taught me what it means to be a leader in times of adversity, and my family, who have supported me throughout my journey.

When Celeste asked me to write the foreword for her book, I immediately said yes. During my decade-long tenure as CEO of Merck, I was one of the few African American CEOs in the Fortune 500. I understood what it was like to be different. I understood what it meant to see the world through a different lens. That lens came with different perspectives, ideals, beliefs, and challenges. It also came with opportunities; opportunities to contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive environment around me.

The value of diversity is not new to most companies. Fundamentally, most businesses are about meeting the needs of their customers. In no uncertain terms, we see more and more each day that we live in an interconnected and highly mobile world where diversity, shaped by globalization and technological changes, has become the fabric of modern society.

At the same time that were more diverse, there is also increased polarization. Weve seen a resurgence of ideals and perspectives in the work-place that make it more challenging and dynamic than in past decades. We have to ensure that we leverage the diversity within our organizations so we do not stifle organizational innovation and productivity and leave employees feeling disengaged, powerless, and disenfranchised.

So, what will it take to lead a more diverse workforce in the future? How can we create an enduring and tangible culture where everyone feels welcome and empowered to do their best work? How can we leverage the differences in our workforce to drive growth and innovation?

In Celestes book, she shines a light on the fact that everyone has a role to play in order to drive not just diversity but also greater equity and inclusion throughout the organization. Both in the public and private sector, it is becoming more important for individuals to understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the role they can play to drive a more equitable and inclusive environment. Diversity and Inclusion Ambassadors are needed throughout organizations at every level for there to be true progress.

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace cause all employees to feel accepted and valued, which contributes to high retention rates within organizations. They also allow us to harness the talents of all our people at a time of significant volatility and change, when companies need their full engagement and creativity in order to build a more resilient and sustainable future. Whether one is a senior leader, a middle manager, or an employee who does not manage people, all of us are important in developing an equitable and inclusive culture.

This book will provide individuals with specific guidance on how to leverage their abilities to create the culture they want to seewhere everyone can feel engaged and empowered.

I think we all agree that a companys fundamental driver for success is its workforce. As leaders, managers, and employees, it is incumbent upon us to help move our companies and our society forward rather than leaving gaps of opportunity and social disharmony for future generations to solve.

Kenneth C. Frazier
Executive Chairman, Merck & Co., Inc.

Its just so overwhelming. I dont know how I can be of any help.

I had just completed speaking at a conference and was walking off the stage. A short break in the conference followed my talk and I walked into a small group of attendees waiting to ask a few more questions. A young woman broke from the group and asked if she could talk with me briefly. I knew from the look on her face that it was not going to be a brief encounter. The look could only be described as desperation, as if I were her last hope. I listened empathetically as she introduced herself and quietly asked her question. Thank you for your talk, Ms. Warren. Youve been able to work with leaders to drive change within your organization but I find myself in a situation where I want to do more, but I dont have the abilities that you do and Im not at the level that you are to be able to drive change. What can I do?