Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
MPI-Carolinas is a community of professionals who value inclusivity, professional development, action through purposeful connections with one another. This year, we have added a new focus for our board and our membership, and that focus is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
We understand as a chapter that it’s our responsibility to our members and our industry to embrace learning, conversations, and tangible outcomes of DEI that are current and to come. DEI is ever-changing and sometimes complex, but we dedicate each meeting in FY 2023-2024 to exploring new elements of DEI that represent various aspects of our industry. Those elements include meeting programs and new chapter policies presented by people of varying genders, races, cultures, ethnicities, abilities and disabilities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, and people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise.
This will be a new journey for us as a chapter and for some of us as individuals. We have a passion for teaching, learning, and growing together as a membership. Keeping that in mind, we ask for the following actions from our members:
- Give us feedback and ask questions
- Let us know what resources you need and topics you don’t understand
- Continue to be open, honest, and flexible about learning + development
- Join our committee if you want to be an active ally
President's Note
As we mark four years of dedicated effort towards advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our community, I am inspired by the journey we have embarked upon together. This commitment is not a one-time initiative but a continuous path of growth, learning, and understanding that enriches our entire chapter. At MPI Carolinas, we strive to create an environment where all voices, including yours, are heard and valued, fostering a culture as diverse as the markets, people, and communities we serve. Every year, we take new steps to improve our ability to connect, collaborate, and succeed. I invite each of you to join us in this ongoing journey; it may not always be easy, and there may be some challenging conversations along the way as we continue to learn, adapt, and strengthen our commitment to making our chapter a place where everyone truly belongs.
Najauna White, CMP, CDE
MPI-CC 2023-24 President
Resources
ADA Standards for Accessible Design
American Sign Language (NIDCD)
Arranging an Accessible Meeting Space
Evaluating the Accessibility of a Meeting Site
Guidance on the ADA Accessibility Standards
How to Make Your Virtual Meetings and Events Accessible to the Disability Community
Planning Accessible Meeting and Events Toolkit
Presenting Meeting Content Accessibly
Cvent’s Perspective: Making Meetings Accessible to All (Podcast)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: How does it Relate to Event Catering?
Focusing on Diversity in Meetings (Podcast)
Inclusive Event Design: The Differences That Make a Difference(Podcast)
Paving The Way For Diversity with Kevin Iwamoto(Podcast)
Creating a Sustainable Inclusion Strategy(Article)
Diversity & Inclusion: A New Generation Standing in Solidarity(Article)
Take 5 Digital Accessibility Challenge(Article)
7 Effective Ways to Commit to Diversity in the Workplace(Article)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Learning how to get it right | Asif Sadiq | TEDxCroydon(Webinar)
On Diversity: Access Ain’t Inclusion | Anthony Jack | TEDxCambridge(Webinar)
U.S. Department of Labor: Office of Disability Employment Policy
What is a Supplier Diversity Program?
Vendor Diversity Program: Why and How to Implement One
Minority Business Development Agency
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: A Business Guide to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
DEI Connects Event Series
DEI Connects events are offered at least four times a year. DEI Connects is an inclusive networking event aimed at fostering dialogue and supporting our chapter's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. We believe engaging with peers, sharing insights and building meaningful connections can drive positive change in our community.
