In 2003, SMPS issued its first diversity statement, which came out of the work of a prior task force created for this purpose. Since that time, various members, chapter leaders, board members, and staff have recognized the need for SMPS to enhance its diversity and inclusion efforts.
While already in the works, 2020’s “summer of reckoning” catapulted the need to formally organize a concerted DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) effort at the Society level.
In July 2020, the Society released a call for volunteers requesting applications from members interested in serving on the new SMPS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force. Over 70 members applied, with 25 selected to include a mix of race, age, geography, gender, and sexual orientation. This mix would ensure the value of varying perspectives that each task member brings to the group through their life, professional, and personal experiences.
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Article written by Asheya L. Warren, CPSM, first appeared in Marketer journal. Asheya is the current chair of the SMPS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force.
