A movement for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has spread across the globe since the beginning of 2020. While the public focus has been on corporations, there’s less difference between corporations and nonprofits than people might think, according to Pavita Cooper, founder of More Difference.
Cooper, a leading UK-based culture and diversity expert, spoke about how nonprofits can face DEI challenges during this year’s virtual On Board conference on nonprofit board service, hosted by the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Both corporations and nonprofit organizations are feeling the pressure to examine the gender, ethnic, and racial makeup of their boards and employee base, Cooper said. A greater focus on DEI means facing a multi-pronged challenge: Who are the best candidates for jobs and board spots, how can organizations ensure those rising to the top are as diverse as possible, and how can they build a culture that retains that talent?
After talking to CEOs from across Europe and the US this year, Cooper said one theme is clear—just talking about diversity and inclusion isn’t good enough. “A lot of organizations talked about redoubling their efforts on the issue of race, but they’ve started to go beyond words to actually listening to individuals to understand the issue,” she said.
Here are three takeaways from the session, moderated by Caroline Grossman, ’03, executive director of the Rustandy Center, Chicago Booth’s hub for social impact, and adjunct assistant professor of strategy.