Hi ForbesBLK, Ali Jackson-Jolley here.
As corporate and community leaders grapple with how to drive their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts amidst an imminent Trump presidency, many Black leaders promise that efforts to advance economic opportunity will press on. Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, says, “The election results are in and we have a new president. As the dust settles, we — the advocates for economic equity — will continue to do the hard work to realize a nation that reflects its written principles of fairness, justice, and equality." Meanwhile, Nikki Bethel, President and CEO of The Emma Bowen Foundation, urged her community, “No matter how you feel about the election, there are meaningful ways to continue to shape the future…. Focus on the areas where you can make an impact. When we approach this DEI work together, openly and honestly, everyone benefits.” In the weeks following the presidential election, early takeaways suggest that DEI efforts won’t end, but according to the business leaders working at the forefront of DEI, they may change in these ways: Focus On Inclusion & Growth On Nov. 15, branding and advertising leaders gathered at the Adcolor conference in Los Angeles to share insights on the ways brands will reframe DEI by focusing on inclusion and growth. In an interview with AdWeek, a board member of Bridge summed it up:
“What the election showed us is that we didn't speak to everyone. We had people who said, ‘I’m not interested in DEI training. That has nothing to do with me.’ It pushed individuals away from coming together and realizing we need this to make for a better business, a better economy, and a better country.”
Meanwhile, Daryn Dodson, founder and managing partner of Illumen Capital, an impact fund addressing systemic inequity by reducing racial and gender bias in investing, says his strategy won’t change—it has always been about opportunity for business growth.
“Our thesis and strategy remain strong, and the continued investment from our partners highlights the immense value that often goes unrecognized in underestimated managers and entrepreneurs.” Dodson’s statement came with news that Illumen Capital raised $32.75 million for its Catalyst Fund, a vehicle designed to support first-time fund managers and entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
No More Room For DEI Whitewashing
Amid uncertainty around what is to come for DEI in 2025, Neil Costa, Founder and CEO of HireClix, says, “We can at least look forward to leaving DEI whitewashing in the past.” Costa says those who adopted DEI quickly and inauthentically in 2020 are the same companies that will likely deprioritize DEI in 2025. Costa further predicts that 2025 will be the year job seekers will be able to easily identify which companies genuinely care about DEI. “Either it’s important to them and they tied it into their employer branding and workplace culture, or it’s not – and that will become very obvious in 2025.” Costa’s sentiment mirrors that of Ken Frazier, former CEO of Merck. In an interview with CNN, Frazier says, “For those companies that integrated DEI into the way they do business, fundamentally, it’s marbled into the meat, so to speak. They’re not trying to change that.” And speaking of pushing inclusion forward, the Forbes HBCU Scholars Program opens for applications today! Newsrooms are best when they reflect different backgrounds, voices, and points of views. The Forbes HBCU Scholars Program was created as a step toward realizing this ideal, focusing on preparing and supporting emerging Black journalists and journalists of color interested in business journalism from HBCUs. If you are a current HBCU junior (or know someone who is) with an aptitude for crunching numbers and experience in journalism, apply here.
Until next time, stay connected with me on LinkedIn!
(Editor's Note: The ForbesBLK newsletter will not publish next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. It will return on December 5.) | 
