Maryland Judge Halts Enforcement of Trump’s Anti-DEI Executive Orders
A Baltimore judge issued a nationwide preliminary injunction on Friday, February 21, that halted the enforcement of President Trump’s anti-DEI executive orders (EOs). Earlier this month, the city of Baltimore and higher education groups sued the Trump administration...
DE Talk | Merit is Not the Opposite of Diversity: Removing Barriers to Employment
Season 6 • Episode 6
While employers unpack new regulatory direction regarding DEI efforts, many are left wondering how to lawfully maintain their recruitment activities and stay true to their organizational values. Tune in as we chat with Dr. Courtney Bryant Shelby, Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, international speaker, & Founder of Simply You Solutions as she explains the evolution of inclusionary efforts from past to present. She also shares why diversity is essential to merit-based hiring (the larger the talent pool, the greater the chance of finding the most qualified candidate!), metrics employers should be looking at, where she sees the workplace equity landscape heading in the future, and tips for fostering authenticity and belonging in your workforce.
Subscribe links, guest bios, and full transcript available.
Executive Order 11246 Has Been Rescinded: How Does This Affect My DirectEmployers Membership?
On January 21, 2025, President Trump rescinded Executive Order (EO) 11246, signing into law a new Order, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity” which terminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) discrimination in federal...
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 2025, we reflect on Dr. King’s mark on history. His life’s work was a tireless pursuit of justice, equality, and unity. And it continues to inspire individuals and organizations around the globe....
DE Talk | Board Takeover | The OFCCP Compliance Journey in 2024 & What’s Ahead in 2025
Season 6 • Episode 4
Join us for a special “Board Takeover” episode of the DE Talk podcast as members of the DirectEmployers Board of Directors discuss the evolving compliance landscape for federal contractors. This insightful conversation explores the challenges faced in 2024, including navigating complex OFCCP compliance requirements, adapting to regulatory changes, and fostering inclusive hiring practices. Looking ahead to 2025, the Board examines the potential impact of the new Trump Administration, anticipating shifts in compliance priorities and enforcement. From updates to affirmative action plans to strategies for strengthening workplace diversity, this episode provides actionable insights to help federal contractors stay prepared and compliant.
Subscribe links, guest bios, and full transcript available.
DE Talk | How SMBs Can Use AI Hiring Tech in Inclusive Ways
Season 6 • Bonus Episode 2.5
Businesses of all sizes are impacted by the potential benefits and possible harms of artificial intelligence (AI) in their recruiting and hiring technologies. While some may consider the HR tech space “too technical” or beyond their current capabilities, this mentality can cause them to lose job candidates with the skills they need to succeed. In some cases, small and midsized businesses (SMBs) may already use AI-enabled hiring technologies without knowing it. In this session, Our Ability’s CEO, John Robinson, and the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology’s Director of Communications, Lex Huth, team up to show how people with disabilities are leading the way to more inclusive AI in hiring technologies — and how SMBs can maximize the benefits they get from these AI-powered tools.
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The Disability Inclusive Elite: 2024 Disability Equality Index Honors 200+ DE Members
In celebration of Disability Pride Month, leading nonprofit Disability:IN has released its 2024 Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion. On this list, top employers are categorized with scores of 100, 90, or 80, based on the results of the organization’s...
DE Talk Unplugged | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Progress Amidst Opposition within Corporate, Political, & Social Spheres
Our latest episode of DE Talk was extra special. Not only were we thrilled to welcome diversity activist and strategist Torin Ellis and Principal Financial Group’s Chief Inclusion Officer Miriam Lewis to the podcast, but this episode was also recorded live during our...
DE Talk | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Progress Amidst Opposition within Corporate, Political, & Social Spheres
Season 5 • Episode 10
2024 has brought forth many challenges for diversity and inclusion efforts, and at DirectEmployers’ recent Annual Meeting & Conference, we addressed those setbacks and emphasized the importance of progress amidst opposition. Tune in to this powerful conversation as diversity activist and strategist Torin Ellis and Principal Financial Group’s Chief Inclusion Officer Miriam Lewis spotlight the importance of resilience, knowledge, and tangible progress in the pursuit of creating more inclusive environments within corporate, political, and social spheres.
Subscribe links, guest bios, and full transcript available.
Government Contracting
2021 – 2024
2021 – 2024