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Summary
Maya Lowe, the DEI Lead at 23andMe, discusses the significance of building diverse and inclusive teams within a business. She emphasizes three key reasons: creating products that resonate with customers, attracting and retaining diverse talent, and the ethical imperative of equal opportunity and positive impact. Maya also shares insights on crafting a DEI strategy, including establishing a baseline, forming employee resource groups, and setting long-term goals. She stresses the importance of continuous education, addressing microaggressions, and promoting inclusivity through accessible policies and behaviors. Maya reflects on her experience as the first person to transition at 23andMe and the support she received. She also highlights challenges, such as the lack of established processes and the emotional toll of being the only trans woman in the workplace. Maya underscores the importance of explicit policies, open communication, and empathy in creating inclusive workplaces. She envisions a future where companies remain steadfast in their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), ensuring everyone feels comfortable and represented at work.
Takeaways
- Building diverse and inclusive teams is crucial for creating products that resonate with customers and demonstrating a company's commitment to their experiences.
- Establishing a DEI strategy involves assessing the current state of diversity and inclusion within the company, forming employee resource groups, and setting long-term goals.
- Companies can enhance inclusivity by focusing on accessibility, addressing microaggressions, and reevaluating policies such as dress codes and hairstyles.
- Continuous education, self-awareness of biases, and leadership buy-in are vital for fostering a truly inclusive workplace. Explicit policies and open communication are essential for inclusivity.
- Being the first person to transition in the workplace can be challenging and emotionally taxing.
- Companies should remain committed to DEI and avoid backpedaling on their efforts.
- Everyone should feel comfortable and represented at work, regardless of their gender identity or background.
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