The best way to succeed in any challenge that arises is to surround yourself with Experts.

Why This Organization is Needed

I started this organization in 2009 for every consultant who unsuccessfully tried to explain the need for diversity consulting services to a new prospect...for every diversity professional who specializes in inclusion but is somehow not included in decision making processes...for every executive who has a vision for growth, but is challenged in getting other managers and executives to buy-in to and support change...for every organization that hired a diversity consultant who was a novice...and for every small business who performs excellent work at fair prices but was denied the contract because of the "old buddy network". There are countless other examples of why this organization is needed, but essentially, I started this organization for you.

I am passionate about diversity because I know that it works when properly executed. Additionally, if we work together, as diversity professionals, we will learn more, accomplish more, and affect more people than we could ever imagine. Valuing diversity changes minds, changes lives, and changes business results. Why can't we lead the global upturn with diversification and innovation strategies? Why can't we be the Most Valuable Player's in our organizations?  And why can't we build an association of distinguished experts who are driven to help our employees develop professionally and our employers flourish?

As a mother, I liken this association to a child that grows and becomes stronger each day. Instead of sitting back to "see what will happen", you have to be proactive and get involved. This is what diversity is all about.

I envision the Society for Diversity Executives & Professionals Inc. becoming an internationally renowned organization demonstrating excellence in preparing professionals and executives for a successful career in the field of diversity, and helping organizations to utilize diversity as a tool for profitability. I believe that, as the only organization dedicated specifically to helping you succeed as a diversity executive or professional, you and I can overcome any challenge that arises.

What We Do

The Society for Diversity Executives & Professionals Inc. is an associated group of highly-experienced diversity professionals who share an enthusiasm for facilitating inclusion and transforming dynamic places to work. We are the largest and most comprehensive professional association dedicated exclusively to diversity executives and professionals. Our goal is to help our members become the most knowledgeable, skilled, and practiced diversity experts in the world. Through our goal, we can help others see the value in diversity and experience its benefits.

Definition of Diversity

We define diversity as a unique quality in which each individual is infinitely different and valuable to the organizations with which they purchase goods/services, and serve as employees and contractors. Diversity is an asset for any entity that values differences and promotes inclusion in spite of superficial identifiers such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical disability or other external features.

The Mission

Our mission is to educate and equip diversity executives and professionals with the tools needed to design and execute effective diversity and inclusion strategies; share information and resources through an international business network; and establish a global standard of quality in the field of diversity.

We're unique because we are an international association dedicated exclusively to the thousands of diversity practitioners in the world. We will:

• Act as an advocate for global diversity, as well as serve as a specialized resource for executives and professionals in the field
• Offer qualification credentials for diversity experts through the professional diversity certification program
• Provide basic, intermediate and advanced professional development courses in diversity for executives and professionals
• Expand business opportunities for diverse employees, contractors, consultants, and customers
• Cultivate networking and information sharing among diversity professionals throughout the world

Don't wait to see what we do-- get involved, support us, and make things happen. I hope you join us, as we embark on a lifelong journey to help the world value diversity and experience the professional and corporate benefits that diversity affords all of us.

Sincerely,


Leah Smiley
Founder & Executive Director