Joshin @ World 50's I&D Impact Awards

Last week in Miami, Joshin had the honor of being the accessibility and neurodiversity sponsor at World 50's I&D Impact Awards, a night to celebrate and champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at all levels. While DEI initiatives often overlook disability and neurodiversity — only 4% of companies include it in their DEI plans — this year marked a significant shift. Throughout the day’s events and the award ceremony, it was profoundly moving to witness the recognition of disability and neurodiversity inclusion. This change reveals a fundamental truth we've consistently emphasized: Disability and neurodiversity inclusion is the way of the future, and we’re just at the beginning of understanding what’s possible for businesses when they invest in DEI that encompass ALL aspects of human diversity.

A Partnership for Accessibility

Our commitment to making the event accessible to everyone ensured:

• Stage access via ramps

• An ASL interpreter on stage throughout the ceremony

• Accommodations to all attendees

• Representation from the disability and neurodivergent community

These measures underscore Joshin’s belief that disability and neurodiversity inclusivity is not just a value but a lived practice. We extend our deepest gratitude to the World 50 Group for their commitment to inclusion and for the opportunity to partner in this endeavor. Special thanks to disability advocates Michael Kutcher and Kelsey Lindell for joining the Joshin team and adding immeasurably to the evening's significance.

Key Highlights

• I was grateful to participate in a panel alongside Nehemiah Thurston, Jr. from Best Buy and DeShaun N. Wise Porter from Hilton, in a room filled with leaders ready to tackle complex challenges in an open and collaborative way. DeShaun shared insights into Hilton's direct support lines for effective DEI communication, while Nehemiah demonstrated Best Buy's approach to leveraging data for enhanced workforce understanding. The session underscored the significant innovation and teamwork needed in addressing DEI challenges, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for candid discussions about these efforts.

• We had the distinct pleasure of awarding EY with the "Inclusion Award" for their commitment to Neuro-Inclusion by transforming their organizational landscape across 20 cities in nine countries. Through the establishment of Neuro-Diverse Centers of Excellence, EY has not only saved millions of service delivery hours but also enabled nearly $1B in value creation. Their dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable workplace culture showcases a commitment to celebrating and embracing neurodiversity as a driver of organizational success. Congrats, Ey! Your win sets a profound example for inclusivity across all sectors.

• Congrats to Victoria’s Secret & Co. and Chief Diversity Officer, Lydia Smith, MBA, for their “Innovation Award” and “I&D Leader of the Year Award.” You are setting new standards in the fashion industry with your Adaptive line designed to meet the specific needs of disabled people. This innovative line was created in collaboration with the disability community and proves that when you make disability inclusion a top business priority, you open your business up to new consumers and new avenues for growth. 

Immense gratitude to the Joshin team for their presence and tremendous effort that propelled this year’s partnership. Your commitment to advocating for and representing the disability and neurodivergent communities continues to astound me! 

Here's to continuing the fight for advancing Equity and Inclusion in the year to come! 

Image Description: A collage from the I&D Impact Awards 2024, featuring an award ceremony. The first photo shows a smiling woman at a podium next to an ASL interpreter, the second a wall projection of company logos, the third the team from EY accepting the “Inclusion Award”, and the fourth a celebratory toast around a table with the Joshin team.