Discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are center stage in many organizations. This conversation is not new–it’s just that DEI is a topic on which attention ebbs and flows. When inequities and bad behavior risk or damage individual or organizational reputation, microscopic focus ensues. When things seem to rock along smoothly, focus moves elsewhere. Organization leaders pledge hundreds of millions of dollars to commission studies, launch training sessions, and hire consultants and diversity czars. But is it working? Some experts argue that, despite decades of hand wringing, costly initiatives, and uncomfortable conversations, organizations have, apart from a few exceptions, fallen far short of their goals.¹  

Renewed interest in DEI has prompted organization leaders to reflect on the progress (or lack of progress) they have made with these efforts. As one Wall Street Journal article states, “It’s time to move from saying, “We need to do this“ to asking “What are we doing with this?”² Showing the value of DEI investments can be challenging for some professionals. This session will describe how to measure the value, including ROI, of DEI programs. 

Objectives
After attending this session, participants should be able to:

1. Identify the five levels of outcomes from DEI programs
2. Explain the need to deliver impact and ROI for selected DEI programs
3. Design DEI programs to deliver application, impact, and ROI
4. Plan the next steps to ensure DEI programs delivers value

Patti P. Phillips, PhD is CEO of ROI Institute. She helps organizations implement the ROI Methodology® in more than 70 countries. Her work spans private sector, public sector, nonprofit, and nongovernmental organizations. Patti has authored and edited more than 75 books on measurement and evaluation.

Patti serves as chair of the International Federation of Training and Development Organisations Board of Trustees; chair of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research Evaluation Advisory Board; co-chair of the Institute for Corporate Productivity People Analytics Board; and board member of the American Board of Optometry. From 2018-2024, Patti served on the United Nations Institute for Training and Research Board of Trustees. During her tenure she served as board vice chair and finance committee member.  

She, along with her husband and ROI Institute co-founder Dr. Jack J. Phillips, is the recipient of the 2024 Association of Learning Providers (ISA) Thought Leader Award, 2022 Association for Talent Development (ATD) Thought Leader Award, and the 2019 Center for Talent Reporting Distinguished Contributor Award. Additionally, in 2015, Patti was honored as the ATD CPTD Fellow, a distinction that recognizes her contributions to the professionalization of the talent development field.  

Patti can be reached at patti@roiinstitute.net and https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattipphillips/