In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

Last week, I presented on the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work at the Women10x Energy Summit in Calgary. (Thank you @iSAW, @WPC Energy Canada, and @WPC Energy for your dedication to gender equality!).

My talk followed a briefing on public sentiment, which included a social media scan. The scan revealed that the dialogue on DEI spiked in January 2025 (no surprise if you live in the US), and the sentiment of comments was 47 negative to 1 positive. Yes, you read that correctly, 47:1!

The comments make it very clear that the two sides of the DEI debate actually want the same thing. We ALL want fairness, equal opportunities to succeed, and merit-based advancement without regard to immutable traits. 

So why the huge divide? The 47 believe that DEI programs gave some an advantage solely because of their race/ethnicity, gender, disability status, or another quality unrelated to their ability to do the job. The 1 understands that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs create fairness in opportunity by interrupting bias with clarity, consistency, and conscious inclusion to level the playing field.

The perceptions of the work have been different, and I point to myself and my colleagues that we have not done enough to effectively message that the work to build inclusion, when done inclusively, creates a workplace that is fair for everyone. 

Holding onto terminology that has been weaponized is a distraction from doing the work that matters. The 47 wants to keep us tied up in the language debates and keep us from doing the work that matters. Let go.

Do the work, even if you must change the words. I no longer say "DEI." I either say or type each word. More often, I’ve shifted to use the words Inclusion, Fairness, and Belonging.

Creating workplaces where everyone understands that inclusion works for everyone is love in action. 

Please share what words you are using to clearly message the value of the work to everyone. 

Love requires participation. Love requires sharing. Love requires action. Love requires commitment. 

For folks who share your experience, I'll send you a LOVEMUG sticker and magnet.

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love really is my middle name)