Highlighting Our Heroes: Best Practices in Launching a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awareness Program

In this session, we’ll reflect on the activities and best practices that a field-led, grass roots group took to promote DEI through generating awareness about female colleagues and our challenges in the tech industry. At the centerpiece of this movement was the regular publication of a “Highlighting Our Heroes” newsletter. Each week, a female colleague interviewed another female colleague and recounted her journey of overcoming the challenges of being underrepresented in the tech field and included a “request for allies” to consider. As our group gained visibility and sponsorship, the program took on changes to be more inclusive and work cross-functionally with other DEI initiatives. We developed programming including an internal website reaffirming our mission and pillars. We host regular events on topics, including community building, career development, and recruitment. In this case study, we’ll discuss the challenges, considerations, and lessons learned in launching a thriving DEI program.