NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO DIVEST FROM DEI

“WHY DOUBLING DOWN ON INCLUSION IS ESSENTIAL TO YOUR POSITION IN AMERICA’S CULTURAL LANDSCAPE” – by Kyle Yvette Young, Founder and CEO of The Neuro-Inclusion Group

Over the past several months, we’ve seen corporations that once made bold commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) quietly retreat and abandon those promises. It’s not entirely unexpected, but it is deeply disappointing. For many organizations, the wave of solidarity following George Floyd’s tragic death was an opportunity to align with a trending movement. DEI initiatives became a momentary buzzword, a flashy corporate badge of honor. But as the noise and spotlight have faded, many have reverted to their old ways—opting for comfort over commitment.

The corporate world, in many ways, resembles high school. It’s often driven by what’s popular and what garners the most attention. But when the spotlight shifts, true values are revealed. Now, more than ever, it’s clear that for many, diversity and inclusion were merely temporary adornments, not foundational principles.

For anyone paying attention to the cultural shifts in America, it’s evident that *this* is not the time to pull back from DEI commitments. We are fast approaching another contentious presidential election, and no matter which way the political winds blow, the divisions that arise will be deep and palpable. To successfully navigate these turbulent waters, businesses and organizations need the right people, the right resources, and expert guidance in place.

The Importance of Standing on Common Ground

In this critical moment, finding and standing on common ground is not only a noble pursuit—it’s essential. The divisions in our country run deep, and they cut across political affiliations, religions, and ethnicities. But at some point, and that point is now, we must begin to bridge those divides. We must work toward fostering understanding, empathy, and real, lasting inclusion.

For the past decade, I’ve worked as an independent diversity and inclusion activist, speaker, facilitator, and executive conflict resolution coach. My decision to operate outside the confines of corporate DEI structures was intentional. I recognized that true inclusion cannot be confined within the rigid, performative walls of many organizations that often treated it as just another item to check off a list.

Through my work with The Neuro-Inclusion Group and The Common Ground Consortium (501c3)– I remain committed to guiding organizations and individuals toward authentic inclusion. We must lean into difficult conversations, leverage neuroplasticity to rewire our biases, and cultivate common ground, especially in times of discord.

Leverage Neuroscience for Lasting Change

Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and change—is the cornerstone of what I do. My work is centered on the idea that by understanding and leveraging how the brain processes information and forms biases, we can foster lasting cultural change. This scientific approach to DEI allows us to address systemic issues at the neurological level, ensuring that change isn’t just superficial, but deeply ingrained in the mindset of individuals and organizations alike.

Your Role in Recalibrating DEI

We stand at a crossroads. The question is, will we continue to treat DEI as a passing trend, or will we double down and solidify our position in America’s evolving cultural landscape? The choice is ours, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Through the Common Ground Consortium (501c3), I am calling on all leaders, change-makers, and individuals committed to true inclusion to step forward.

We must Unlearn, Relearn, and Evolve.

I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s recalibrate DEI together and ensure that we are not merely reacting to moments of cultural crisis, but building a sustainable, inclusive future for all.

About Kyle Yvette Young

Visionary, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder | CEO of The Neuro-Inclusion Group and The Common Ground Consortium (501c3).

For over a decade, I have dedicated my life to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the public and private sectors. My passion for DEI is woven into the very fabric of who I am, and I firmly believe that through the right strategies and conversations, we can transform our workplaces and communities.

Please follow, support, and engage with us. Learn more about our work at www.neuro-inclusion.com and take your stand on Common Ground.

Recalibrating DEI