Tina Beaty is the chief brand and marketing officer of SHRM.
Inclusion and diversity aren’t nice-to-haves — they’re must-haves. They’re not about checking boxes or politics; they’re about building workplaces where people and performance thrive. Inclusion is how we unleash potential, spark innovation, and strengthen the bottom line in a world that’s only getting more diverse.
SHRM’s commitment to inclusion and diversity hasn’t changed. What’s changed is the world around us — the laws, the expectations and the scrutiny employers face. That means our responsibility as business leaders — CEOs, CHROs, and politicos — has never been greater. We must elevate and support HR professionals to do this work the right way — legally, unifying, and business accretive. Because when inclusion is done right and done lawfully, everyone wins.
Let’s be clear: Compliance is not compromise. It’s how we protect the progress we’ve made and ensure it endures. Inclusion without compliance is fragile; compliance without inclusion is hollow. We’re here to make sure all organizations have both.
And here’s the truth: the only way to build a stronger, smarter approach to inclusion is to understand every point of view. If we want to lead this conversation, we have to be willing to listen — even to those who see it differently. That’s not weakness. That’s leadership. Progress also demands courage and conversation.
That’s why SHRM will always be the place where people with different perspectives can come together to talk, listen and learn. True inclusion means making room for disagreement without disrespect. When we do that, we build stronger workplaces and a stronger society.
For more than 75 years, SHRM has stood for opportunity and respect for all. That foundation remains unshakable. Our pursuit is simple but profound: to keep work, workers and the workplace moving forward, together.
