“A diverse group of employees helps bring originality and creativity to our merchandise offerings, promoting the ‘treasure hunt’ that our customers value. That group also helps to provide insights into the tastes and preferences of our members.” ~ Costco proxy statement to investors in December 2024
It’s January. An annual moment of reflection and goal-setting for the year ahead. As you make your resolutions, consider a renewed focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Intention and commitment are essential to creating meaningful change and advancing workplaces that reflect and celebrate diversity.
For eight years, several companies across our industry have participated in #Inclusive100, a pioneering, data-driven initiative aimed at tracking DEI progress. These organizations have engaged with the Seramount Inclusion Index, joined robust roundtable discussions, and demonstrated unwavering dedication to measuring their DEI efforts.
While progress has been gradual, it has also been tangible. Participating companies have amassed valuable data, enabling them to measure improvements and implement proven best practices. They have surfaced new strategies for shaping workplaces and teams that better mirror the diverse consumer population our industry seeks to engage.
This past year, the effort evolved. In collaboration with Seramount, She Runs It introduced a new #Inclusive 100 Marketing, Media, and Ad Tech Survey. Tailored specifically for advertising agencies, ad tech companies, PR firms, and media organizations, this updated tool is smarter, more relevant, and easier to use. Importantly, there is no cost to participate. With sufficient participation—seven companies per sector—the initiative will generate the first segmented data set, allowing organizations to benchmark their progress (anonymously) against peers in their sector.
Amid ongoing challenges to DEI efforts, many companies remain steadfast, recognizing that diversity drives innovation, enriches marketing strategies, boosts productivity, and is critical for building tomorrow’s workforce. Costco is a case in point, doubling down on DEI practices in the face of pressure from a conservative think tank. For those experiencing “DEI fatigue,” measurement is the antidote. The #Inclusive100 Marketing, Media, and Ad Tech Survey opened for submissions on December 10, and it will close on March 13. If you are resolved to assess and accelerate your company’s DEI progress, you should explore the survey and plan to participate. You can apply here.
A great first step is attending our informational webinar on January 15. Register here or contact Nadia at Nadia@sherunsit.org for additional details.
By contributing your organization’s data, you will help shape the future of our industry. Together, let’s build on the momentum and create workplaces that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let’s resolve to make 2025 a year of continued progress and collective impact.
