--- title: "The Many Dimensions of DEI" id: "61440" type: "post" slug: "the-many-dimensions-of-dei" published_at: "2022-05-09T12:00:32+00:00" modified_at: "2026-07-11T18:08:31+00:00" url: "https://associationsnow.com/2022/05/09/the-many-dimensions-of-dei/" markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2022/05/09/the-many-dimensions-of-dei.md" excerpt: "Diversity, equity, and inclusion encompasses many layers that are sometimes overlooked. A clear understanding of those nuances and distinctions is key to implementing a DEI plan that’s greater than the sum of its parts and ensures everyone feels they belong." taxonomy_category: - "Conscious Inclusion" taxonomy_post_tag: - "Associations Now" taxonomy_content_format: - "Article" taxonomy_role: - "Association CEO / Executive Director" - "C-Level" - "Director" - "Manager" - "VP" taxonomy_persona: - "Association Professionals" --- [Home](https://associationsnow.com/) » [Articles](https://associationsnow.com/format/article/) » The Many Dimensions of DEI Part of the Deep Dive[Make It Real](https://associationsnow.com/deep-dives/make-it-real-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-action/) People’s perceptions about diversity, equity, and inclusion are often centered on race, gender, and sexual orientation, and for good reason: These are critical dimensions of identity, and they often get the most attention when people advocate for equality and inclusion. But there are other elements of diversity that are important to consider, especially in the workplace. In employee recruitment, for example, “there’s been a lot said over the years about interviewing individuals to see if they’re a cultural fit,” said Trevor Mitchell, CAE, executive director of American Mensa Ltd. and the Mensa Foundation and chair of ASAE’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group. “But what does that mean? Are we bringing some of our biases—unconscious or not—into saying, ‘We just need someone who fits in with us?’” Bringing in employees that challenge preconceived notions about who fits in expands the conversation. When organizations include people with distinctive perspectives, these new voices broaden opportunities for innovation and contribute to organizational success. For example, a 2020 McKinsey [study (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters) found that ethnically and gender diverse companies tend to be more profitable. Looking at the wide-ranging dimensions of diversity will help organizations be more proactive in solving problems, said Heba Mahmoud, senior manager of diversity at Collective Consulting. Tools like the [Diversity Wheel (opens in a new tab)](https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/ASTC/a6c0f3de-e0b1-4198-8ab7-01cee4a55b00/UploadedImages/Dimensions-of-Diversity.pdf) , which examines different levels and elements of diversity, is a good place to start, she said. But she cautions against overreliance on checklists and a “check the box” mentality. “The key to creating authentic inclusion programs and initiatives is to be as inclusive as possible, and that includes listening to viewpoints that might be against [inclusive practices] and helping them see how they fit into the equation,” said Mahmoud. ### A New Balance at Work The late-pandemic world has introduced a new challenge with DEI implications: the hybrid workplace. As employers bring workers back to their offices—or allow a continuation of remote work—they need to promote equity by making sure people in different job roles have the tools they need to succeed, no matter where they work. [Lisa Boylan](https://associationsnow.com/author/lisa-boylan/) Lisa Boylan is a former senior editor of Associations Now. [More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/lisa-boylan/) Tags: [#Associations Now](https://associationsnow.com/tag/associations-now/) **Stay Informed** [Subscribe to our free newsletter](https://associationsnow.com/newsletter/) , *Associations Now Daily News*, to find out what’s happening in the association world every business day. ## More in this Deep Dive - [Sustain Your Focus on DEI](https://associationsnow.com/2022/05/09/sustain-your-focus-on-dei/) - [The CEO’s Role in DEI Success](https://associationsnow.com/2022/05/09/the-ceos-role-in-dei-success/) - [Engage Employees to Embed DEI Across Your Association](https://associationsnow.com/2022/05/09/engage-employees-to-embed-dei-across-your-association/) - [Managing Member Pushback to DEI Initiatives](https://associationsnow.com/2022/05/09/managing-member-pushback-to-dei-initiatives/) - [How Metrics Can Improve the Quality of Your DEI Initiatives](https://associationsnow.com/2022/05/09/how-metrics-can-improve-the-quality-of-your-dei-initiatives/) - [Assess Your DEI Maturity to Determine What’s Next](https://associationsnow.com/2022/05/09/assess-your-dei-maturity-to-determine-whats-next/) [View the full Deep Dive →](https://associationsnow.com/deep-dives/make-it-real-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-action/) ## You Might Like - [VideoASAE DELP Reunion 2025 & Introduction of New ClassAugust 18, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/08/18/asae-delp-reunion-2025-introduction-of-new-class-2/) - [PodcastAssociations Now Presents: Beyond Accessibility: Building Neuroinclusive Association CommunitiesMay 28, 2026](https://associationsnow.com/2026/05/28/associations-now-presents-beyond-accessibility-building-neuroinclusive-association-communities/) - [VideoLeading the Way in Neuroinclusion with ASAE Research Foundation and MPIDecember 16, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/12/16/leading-the-way-in-neuroinclusion-with-asae-research-foundation-and-mpi/) - [VideoWhy Neuroinclusion Matters: Raising Awareness Across the Association CommunityDecember 15, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/12/15/why-neuroinclusion-matters-raising-awareness-across-the-association-community/) ## Comments **Comments are for ASAE members.** [Learn more about comments on this site.](https://associationsnow.com/comments/) [Log in](https://associationsnow.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fassociationsnow.com%2F2022%2F05%2F09%2Fthe-many-dimensions-of-dei%2F%23comments) to your member account or [join ASAE](https://my.asaecenter.org/select-a-membership-type/) !