Recently I joined “Imprint” Team Detroit’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.

Our mission is to “be held in the highest regard for our efforts at embracing intellectually and culturally diverse groups and individuals. To create and foster an environment where all employees feel valued, engaged and encouraged to offer innovative and creative thinking to lead our clients brands in to the future.”

This got me thinking about Diversity and Inclusion in Detroit.

Diversity can be defined as: the state of being diverse; or variety. The variety of people in Detroit is endless. Detroit has been historically known for its music, its art and its ability to appeal to people from so many different cultures and backgrounds. I would say Detroit is pretty diverse; would you?

Inclusion can be defined as: the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure. Everyone wants to be included. Studies show that people work best when they feel a part of team and that they matter.

In most companies there are certain measures taken to observe our differences and celebrate them. Recognizing our differences and similarities is a strength and key to bringing out the best in each other. Inclusion is something that we should consciously practice not only in the workplace but also in our everyday lives (ex: neighborhoods, PTA meetings, social gatherings etc.…). People work better when they feel comfortable being who they are and accepted by the majority regardless of differences. That being said do you think we, as a whole, bring home the etiquette that we are taught in most professional situations and apply it to our everyday lives? Do we accept everyone for who they are or aren’t and include them when the time arises or are we still scared of those different than ourselves and by being scared shutting them out? Do you think the answer to these questions affects Detroit’s future and where we are heading?