A collection of powerful quotes about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to inspire positive change and foster a thriving workplace.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts that together form a complete and vital whole, so too does a successful organization thrive on the unique contributions of its diverse individuals. In today’s dynamic business landscape, cultivating a workplace where every voice is valued, every talent is recognized, and every individual feels a sense of belonging is not merely a moral imperative – it’s a strategic advantage. The following quotes about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) – curated from celebrated leaders and thinkers – should inspire you to champion DEI initiatives that build stronger teams, foster innovation, and ultimately, create a truly better professional environment for all.
(by Jonathan M. Pham)
Short Quotes About Diversity
- Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance. – Verna Myers
- In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength. – Maya Angelou
- Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness. – Ola Joseph
- Strength lies in differences, not in similarities. – Stephen R. Covey
- We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry. – Maya Angelou
Embracing diversity quotes
Famous Quotes About Diversity
- It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. – Audre Lorde
- No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. – Nelson Mandela
- Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization. – Mahatma Gandhi
- We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now. – Martin Luther King Jr.
- To get real diversity of thought, you need to find the people who genuinely hold different views and invite them into the conversation. – Adam Grant
Read more: 80 Employee Engagement Quotes
Quotes about diversity from famous people
Quotes About Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
- Diversity and inclusion, which are the real grounds for creativity, must remain at the center of what we do. – Marco Bizzarri
- Equity is not the same as equality. Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
- True inclusion moves beyond tolerating difference; it celebrates it.
- You can’t be what you can’t see. – Marian Wright Edelman
- Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome. – Arthur Chan
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Quotes about diversity in the workplace
Quotes About Diversity of Thought
- If you and I always agree, then one of us is redundant. – Larry Wall
- A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone. – Sundar Pichai
- Diversity of thought is essential for innovation, disruption, and relevance.
- The best decisions are made when multiple perspectives come to the table.
- We need diversity of thought in the world to face the new challenges. – Tim Berners-Lee
Read more: 45 Team Building Quotes – Ignite Teamwork for Sustainable Growth
Quotes About Diversity and Unity
- I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights. – Desmond Tutu
- There is more power in unity than division. – Emanuel Cleaver
- Diversity and unity are not opposites. They are partners in progress.
- Today our diversity is a source of strength. We are a nation of many colours and cultures, but forming a harmonious unity like a rainbow after a heavy storm. – Nelson Mandela
- We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more. – Bill Clinton
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Unity in diversity quotes
Quotes About Diversity and Love
- Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet. – Maya Angelou
- Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. – Martin Luther King Jr.
- When we choose to love, we allow ourselves to see the humanity in others.
- We were born to love, not to hate. To accept, not to judge.
- We must not only learn to tolerate our differences. We must welcome them as the richness and diversity which can lead to true intelligence. – Albert Einstein
Read more: Love Leadership – More Than an Abstract Philosophical Idea
Inspirational quotes about diversity
Quotes About Inclusion and Belonging
- People don’t just want to be seen; they want to be valued.
- When people feel included, they bring their full selves to the table.
- Inclusion is about making sure everyone’s voice is heard, not just the loudest one.
- Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth. – Jesse Jackson
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Powerful diversity and inclusion quotes
DEI Quotes for Leaders
- The role of leadership is to create more leaders, not more followers. – Ralph Nader
- We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to-do’ list. – Michelle Obama
- Leadership must be about accountability, not just aspiration, when it comes to inclusion.
- A good leader listens to voices not yet in the room.
- We’re thoughtfully continuing our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. – Jamie Dimon
Read more: 110 Leadership Quotes to Unlock Greatness
Quotes about inclusive leadership
DEI Quotes by Women
- I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship. – Louisa May Alcott
- I am deliberate and afraid of nothing. – Audre Lorde
- DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift. And the more voices, the more powerful the sound. – Alicia Keys
- People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together. – Michelle Obama
- Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. – Brené Brown
Read more: Women in Leadership – Breaking Down Barriers for a More Equitable Future
DEI quotes for the workplace
Other resources you might be interested in:
- 55 Company Culture Quotes: Building a Great Professional Environment
- 40 Empathy Quotes: Cultivating Connection for Success
- 42 Training Quotes: Inspirational Words for Learning
- 35 Work Life Balance Quotes: Work Smarter, Live Fuller
- 45 Workplace Wellness Quotes: Beyond the Paycheck