cated to fostering better representation H U M A N R E S O U R C E S from traditionally marginalized segments of the population and increasing opportunities for leadership positions . There are several reasons for the push , starting with the demands for diversity from a majority of today’s workforce in the Gen Z and millennial generations . “ They want to work in an environment that they feel is just and equitable , and they want the work they do to focus on driving impact and driving these initiatives around environmental and social justice , ” Kohl says . “ But if you step back and look at the big picture , I think organizations … realize that having an effective DEI strategy really drives business value and it creates oppor - tunities , especially in a global economy . Having people who think differently , who have different lived experiences , different While there is still much progress to be made , histories and different educations , creates a whole new way of approaching chal - diversity , equity and inclusion initiatives are gaining lenges that exist in the marketplace or even traction in businesses of all sizes . [ By Matt Cosentino ] entry into new markets . Having a more di - verse representation in the decision - mak - her “ day job ” as the manag - sented at the SHRM Inclusion Conference in ing process drives better outcomes , and ing principal of consulting San Diego last year . She emphasizes that in there’s a lot of stats on that . ” firm HRComputes , Kristina order to be effective , DEI must extend be - Kohl notes that federal contracts often Kohl assists a wide range of clients in be - yond training and compliance and become dictate that a certain percentage of work coming diverse organizations by gathering part of the fabric of a company . goes to women - , minority - or veteran - data and implementing sound strategies “ My focus is that this needs to be a owned companies , and major corporations and programs based on that data . But she strategic initiative that needs to cross the or - are following suit in those requirements , also teaches a course on the subject at the ganization , ” she says . “ It’s not just one per - leading to DEI becoming important for mid - Bard College MBA and Sustainability Pro - son’s job , it’s really something that has to be sized and smaller companies to adopt . But gram , and in that role , she was having a the focus of the board and the leadership what are the first steps in such a move ? hard time finding a book to utilize in the cur - team , and you have to look into each and “ I would say definitely start with a culture riculum that focused on what she feels are every area of your organization and decide assessment , ” says Stacey Zielke , director of the most important aspects of diversity , eq - how you’re creating a culture that promotes human resources at Workplace HCM . uity and inclusion ( DEI ) initiatives . So she justice , equity , diversity and inclusion . ” “ Align your DEI initiatives with your organi - decided to write one herself . More and more in recent years , compa - zational goals , mission and vision . Be trans - Driving Justice , Equity , Diversity , and In - nies of various sizes seem to be heeding parent where necessary and walk the walk . clusion was published in January 2022 , and , that advice . DEI strategies have not only Create standards and practices that ensure in addition to teaching students , provides a gained traction in corporate America , but success . Having a DEI committee is benefi - roadmap for employers to effect significant have also been the center of government cial to enable employers to be prepared to change at the systemic level . Since its re - efforts , private - public partnerships , new ed - coach and manage change . ” lease , Kohl has continued to speak fre - ucational programs , and the mission of busi - Zielke has seen more of a commitment quently on the topic locally , and also pre - ness groups , with all of these entities dedi - from corporate leaders and their employ - 8 | SOUTH JERSEY BIZ | VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1 | SouthJerseyBiz.net