DEI Demystified

In a time when DEI is being used as a scapegoat, Diaz Dixon will share what DEI truly means, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and highlighting its profound benefits for everyone. It’s not about blame — it’s about building better, more inclusive communities and workplaces.

DEI is about fostering equality within organizations and businesses. When implemented thoughtfully, DEI practices create environments where all people feel valued and respected, regardless of their background. This not only enhances workplace morale but also drives innovation, productivity, and overall success.

By understanding and embracing DEI, businesses can tap into a broader range of perspectives, attract top talent, and meet the diverse needs of their customers.

DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

• Diversity embraces the presence of differences — race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, cultural background, and more
• Equity ensures fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all, recognizing that different people have different needs and addressing systemic barriers
• Inclusion creates environments where every voice is heard, respected, and valued, fostering a sense of belonging

DEI is not about meeting quotas; it's about creating spaces where talent, creativity, and potential can flourish regardless of background.

It benefits everyone by:

• Enhancing Innovation: Diverse perspectives lead to new ideas and solutions
• Boosting Employee Engagement: Inclusive workplaces improve morale, retention, and productivity
• Reflecting Communities: Organizations that mirror the diversity of their customers can better understand and serve them

Investing in DEI is not just the right thing to do — it's smart business. Research shows that diverse teams:

• Make better decisions 87% of the time
• Are 35% more likely to achieve above-average returns
• Drive greater customer satisfaction and brand loyalty

Join us to discover practical strategies that promote equity, inspire inclusion, and help unlock the full potential of our communities and beyond.

Diaz Dixon is the president and owner of Performance Driven Consulting. His focus is on evaluating and implementing strategies that increase sustainability, diversity, and impact.

He recently served as the Vice President of the CommonSpirit Health National Foundation. In his role, he worked closely with CommonSpirit clinical and program leaders to raise awareness and secure funding support for health equity, social justice, and diversity programs. Dixon has a long history as a successful leader, fundraising and advocate for those in need.

Before joining CommonSpirit Health, he served as the CEO of Eddy House, a multi-complex facility for homeless and at-risk youth, where he has raised millions in funding to grow the organization and provide housing, workforce development, health services and other needed support. Prior to joining Eddy House, Dixon served fourteen years as the CEO of STEP2, a nonprofit organization committed to breaking the cycle of addiction and violence in families. At STEP2, he led highly successful fundraising and operational initiatives to build a multimillion-dollar campus. He gets most excited about creating vision and excitement around common causes that better communities.

Dixon has been a highly respected community advocate for decades. He served for four
years on the National Advisory Committee for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sitson the board for Bishop Manogue and is a funding advisor for the Wavedance Fund. He served four years consulting for the Cultural Competency and Diversity Network inWashington, DC, under President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative.

Dixon received his master’s degree in education and counseling from the University of Iowa and his bachelor’s degree in social psychology from the University of Nevada.

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