Diversity, Equity & Opportunity

About the Council’s Diversity, Equity & Opportunity Initiative

As drivers of Massachusetts’ innovation economy, we are deeply committed to fostering diverse and inclusive cultures that provide all employees with a sense of belonging. Through our Diversity, Equity and Opportunity (DEO) Initiative, the Council partners with subject matter experts and stakeholders from the Commonwealth and beyond to aggregate data, understand root causes, identify actionable strategies, and share best practices. The Council has two pillar programs under its DEO Initiative—Black Representation and Equity (BRE) and Women in Leadership (WIL).

The Council launched the multiyear BRE Initiative in July 2020, which marked the start of a 10-year commitment by participating Council members to increase Black employee representation at all levels to approximate or exceed the level of diversity within the community.

An outgrowth of continuing collaboration with McKinsey & Company, reacHIRE, and other key members to analyze research that tracks changes in the number of women represented at various points along the career path, the Council launched WIL in early 2019. With a goal of closing the leadership gap between men and women in the workplace, WIL helps guide successful efforts in recruiting, retaining, and promoting women into leadership responsibilities across our organizations through signature events, an impactful ‘leaders helping leaders’ model, data-driven resources, and more.

The Council’s DEO Initiative provides organizations and individuals with access to information, insights, and programming to translate ambition into tangible and sustainable actions.

Get Involved in the Council’s DEO Initiatives

Interested in engaging in our DEO Initiatives? Please contact Council President Chris Anderson for more information. Visit the Council’s Events page to learn about upcoming DEO programs.