Committed To Making A Difference
Creating places and spaces of belonging is central to our core values.
How It All Began
The aftermath of George Floyd's murder saw DEI roles increase by 150%, demonstrating a shift in the industry and a growing recognition of the importance of diverse and inclusive workplaces. However, despite this progress, little attention is paid to the mentorship, coaching, and development of DEI talent. These leaders are expected to navigate complex organizational cultures and effect lasting change without the support and guidance they deserve. The Diversity Institute was founded to address this urgent need for community, education, and inspiration. Our programs provide a safe space for DEI practitioners to learn, grow, and thrive, unlocking their potential to drive real change and create a more equitable world. Join us in building a brighter future and driving progress towards SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Meet Our Founders
Cecilia Stanton Adams
Co-founder & President
Cecilia Stanton Adams MA is a sociologist and entrepreneur committed to creating innovative approaches to strengthening leadership development and diversity efforts. She is most noted for her ability to foster paradigm shifts, change behavior, and empower individuals, teams, and communities. She is an award-winning trainer and was recognized for outstanding research on unconscious bias by the American Psychological Association.
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Stanton Adams is a visionary leader with more than 15 years of experience as a strategic diversity expert. She works with diversity leaders and practitioners from educational institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations to sharpen their skills and successfully execute strategic diversity initiatives.
Malissa Adams
Co-founder & Board Chair
Malissa Adams MBA currently serves as the COO of The Diversity Institute. She is a racial equity expert and business consultant with over 20 years of experience developing diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) strategies. She is most noted for her straightforward approach and ability to create brave spaces for difficult dialogue.
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Adams was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where she was inspired to pursue a career in the nonprofit industry. Her passion for DEI work is driven by her commitment to social justice. She is currently working with leaders willing to experiment with innovative problem-solving approaches.
Where We Are Going
When we first launched the Diversity Institute, DEI was gaining momentum. In January 2020, a popular headline read:
“Chief Diversity Officers: The hottest & toughest job in business.”
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…and, just a few short years later, we’ve witnessed political rollbacks, legislative attacks, and organizations quietly stepping away from the commitments they once proclaimed as values aligned.Â
What was once seen as progressive is now labeled divisive. What was urgent is now considered “optional.” And too many DEI, HR leaders and champions for equity are left navigating this new terrain with little support, dwindling resources, and unclear expectations.
I’ve lived this shift in real time. I’ve had to evolve -fast- to remain effective. To stay bold. To stay sane.
And I know I’m not alone.
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We've been listening to what leaders llike you in the HR, DEI, and Organizational Culture space have been saying is needed for support during these shifting times. So we are evolving with you and have launched new and updated training, materials, and workshops focused on ways to continue the hard work you are doing to keep, grow, and maintain an inclusive culture within your organizations.Â
That's why we have launched our People-First Culture™ sweet of programs and consulting in addition to evolving our core programs to meet the current landscapes changing needs.Â
Our Partners
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