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45 Quotes About Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): For a Better Workplace

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01
Apr
Home » HR Blog » 45 Quotes About Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): For a Better Workplace

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

  1. Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance. – Verna Myers
  1. In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength. – Maya Angelou
  1. Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness. – Ola Joseph
  1. Strength lies in differences, not in similarities. – Stephen R. Covey
  1. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry. – Maya Angelou

Read more: 60 Collaboration Quotes – Inspiring Teamwork & Business Success

diversity makes for a rich tapestry

Embracing diversity quotes

Famous Quotes About Diversity

  1. It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. – Audre Lorde
  1. No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. – Nelson Mandela
  1. Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization. – Mahatma Gandhi
  1. We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now. – Martin Luther King Jr.
  1. 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

famous quotes about diversity of thought

Quotes about diversity from famous people

Quotes About Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

  1. Diversity and inclusion, which are the real grounds for creativity, must remain at the center of what we do. – Marco Bizzarri
  1. 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.
  1. True inclusion moves beyond tolerating difference; it celebrates it.
  1. You can’t be what you can’t see. – Marian Wright Edelman
  1. Diversity is a fact. Equity is a choice. Inclusion is an action. Belonging is an outcome. – Arthur Chan

Read more: 100 Human Resource Management Quotes

dei quotes

Quotes about diversity in the workplace

Quotes About Diversity of Thought

  1. If you and I always agree, then one of us is redundant. – Larry Wall
  1. A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone. – Sundar Pichai
  1. Diversity of thought is essential for innovation, disruption, and relevance.
  1. The best decisions are made when multiple perspectives come to the table.
  1. 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

  1. 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
  1. There is more power in unity than division. – Emanuel Cleaver
  1. Diversity and unity are not opposites. They are partners in progress.
  1. 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
  1. We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more. – Bill Clinton

Read more: 44 Organizational Development Quotes

we all do better when we work together

Unity in diversity quotes

Quotes About Diversity and Love

  1. Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet. – Maya Angelou
  1. Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. – Martin Luther King Jr.
  1. When we choose to love, we allow ourselves to see the humanity in others.
  1. We were born to love, not to hate. To accept, not to judge.
  1. 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

Inspirational quotes about diversity

Quotes About Inclusion and Belonging

  1. Belonging begins when we listen, empathize, and act.
  1. People don’t just want to be seen; they want to be valued.
  1. When people feel included, they bring their full selves to the table.
  1. Inclusion is about making sure everyone’s voice is heard, not just the loudest one.
  1. Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth. – Jesse Jackson

Read more: 123 Quotes for Employee Motivation

inclusion not a matter of political correctness

Powerful diversity and inclusion quotes

DEI Quotes for Leaders

  1. The role of leadership is to create more leaders, not more followers. – Ralph Nader
  1. We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to-do’ list. – Michelle Obama
  1. Leadership must be about accountability, not just aspiration, when it comes to inclusion.
  1. A good leader listens to voices not yet in the room.
  1. We’re thoughtfully continuing our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. – Jamie Dimon

Read more: 110 Leadership Quotes to Unlock Greatness

dei quotes for leaders

Quotes about inclusive leadership

DEI Quotes by Women

  1. I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship. – Louisa May Alcott
  1. I am deliberate and afraid of nothing. – Audre Lorde
  1. DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift. And the more voices, the more powerful the sound. – Alicia Keys
  1. People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together. – Michelle Obama
  1. 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

courage starts with showing up

DEI quotes for the workplace

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Jonathan M. Pham

A wanderer who is on his lifelong journey of self-discovery, Jonathan is passionate about topics related to Coaching, Training, L&D, People Development, and Self Growth. He is committed to sharing his experiences - so that those stumbling upon his work may find the inner fire within them and be equipped to live a better life.