DEI is ‘elephant in the room’ at Miami Beach conference for professionals of color

At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are being cut at major U.S. companies, the first panel of a Miami Beach conference for professionals of color on Wednesday had an apt name: “The Elephant in the Room.”

The panel gave attendees at the 10th annual ColorComm conference, held at the Fontainebleau hotel, a candid look at how changes to diversity, equity and inclusion programs affect professionals of color. The conference caters to people in the communications industry and features workshops and panel discussions for women and men of color representing both national brands like Delta Airlines and local organizations like the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In response to the 2020 murder of George Floyd by police, many companies developed DEI programs that have since been ended. At Wednesday’s panel, the president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, a coalition of associations supporting Black businesses, emphasized the need to talk about DEI not just as a corporate trend but as a set of principles and values that affect real people.

“When you say those words, they’re not attacking DEI — they’re attacking you and I,” said the executive, Ron Busby.

More than 150 attendees filled a ballroom for the first day of the conference, which runs through Friday.

At ColorComm, professionals of color say they can communicate with a familiarity that goes beyond formal introductions or business small talk. The South Beach hotel becomes a safe space for them to network, laugh and build each other up — no matter how difficult current events may seem.

Jiselle Wilson, a communications manager, said she traveled to Miami from Houston for professional development and fellowship.

“There’s so many times where I feel like I’m the only one that looks like me in those rooms,” she said.

A closing sentiment during the “Elephant in the Room” panel reflected Wilson’s energy.

“We are more powerful together,” said Neki Mohan, vice president of multicultural business and community engagement at Visit Lauderdale.

Michael Butler

Miami Herald

Michael Butler writes about minority business and trends that affect marginalized professionals in South Florida. As a business reporter for the Miami Herald, he tells inclusive stories that reflect South Florida’s diversity. Just like Miami’s diverse population, Butler, a Temple University graduate, has both local roots and a Panamanian heritage.