With the retrenchment in DEI staff and budgets in 2023, compared to the surge of enthusiasm and CDO hiring after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, we are seeing efforts to integrate DEI into an organization's ESG efforts. Does ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) include diversity, equity and inclusion — or is it a separate issue? It’s a question many business leaders ask as they build out their ESG strategies.

Some believe that when it comes to ESG, DEI is an add-on.  Fortune, for instance, advocates for “ESGD,” a philosophy that gives D&I equal billing with the other elements of ESG. Others believe it fits within the “S” of ESG, the social justice aspect. Still others argue that DEI should not be pigeonholed within the 'S' but should run through the DNA of the entire ESG approach to ensure we are building environmental, social and governance strategies with an eye to DEI and giving DEI equal billing and the attention it deserves with the other elements of the strategy.

Would attacking DEI challenges with the same metrics, structure and rigor devoted to other areas of ESG elevate DEI practices? What do you think? Join our panelists to better understand the link between ESG and DEI. Working through a "Disney Case Study" in breakout groups will help you gauge and understand where your organization or clients stand, what challenges they face with respect to ESG and DEI and how leaders can work towards meeting these goals.

Panelists include:

Mercedes Martin. President & CEO, Mercedes Martin & Company

Alan Richter. Founder & President, QED Consulting, LLC

Ilene Wasserman, President. ICW Consulting Group