The Inclusivity Institute for Better Data

The Clown Show of DEI in 2024: Performative Acts or Real Progress? DEI is everywhere, but how much of it is real change, and how much is just a performance? In 2024, we’re still seeing organizations make grand statements, host diversity events, and roll out campaigns that look good on the outside but have little substance on the inside. The truth is, many #DEI efforts are turning into a circus, more focused on optics than outcomes. Token hires, superficial trainings, and panels with no follow-up—it’s time to stop the clown show. At IIBD, we believe DEI is more than a sideshow; it’s about transforming systems and creating lasting, quantifiable impact. We don’t juggle buzzwords or parade flashy initiatives. Instead, we work with organizations to develop strategies rooted in data, equity, and authentic accountability. Our approach isn't about short-term gains or checking boxes; it’s about driving meaningful, systemic change for the long haul. It’s time to demand more from DEI efforts.  Let’s step out of the circus and into real progress, together. 📅 Book a free 30-minute DEI audit with us today, and let’s work together to strengthen your approach. https://lnkd.in/dBPRwm9H #DEI2024 #RealChange #NoMoreClowning #BetterDataBetterOutcomes #IIBD

As part of my ongoing investigation into #algorithmic biases, specifically within the banking sector, I have been immersing myself in a diverse array of scholarly and practitioner resources. Recently, Dara Dillon introduced me to ChatBlackGPT™(by Erin R.), a pioneering tool designed to combat biased outputs in AI-generated responses, particularly those affecting Black and minority communities. My overall objective was to critically assess ChatBlackGPT™'s efficacy in addressing algorithmic biases. I compared ChatBlackGPT™'s responses to ChatGPT's on VC funding diversity in Canada. While both provide valuable insights, distinct differences emerged: #ChatGPT: - Focuses on general diversity trends - Highlights regional concentration and underrepresentation - Emphasizes transparency and accountability #ChatBlackGPT: - Takes a critical stance on systemic biases - Focuses on experiences of Black and minority entrepreneurs - Emphasizes transformative change and inclusive networks I'm eager to explore ChatBlackGPT™'s potential in mitigating AI-driven biases. Have any of you utilized ChatBlackGPT™? What were your key observations, insights, or challenges? #AlgorithmicBiases #ChatBlackGPT #AIethics #DiversityInTech #BankingSector"

Is your DEI strategy missing the mark? Implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is crucial, but without a data-driven approach, even the best intentions can fall short. Many organizations struggle with common pitfalls that limit their impact: 1️⃣ Overlooking data to identify real gaps – Without analyzing your organization’s data, it’s hard to see where underrepresentation or inequities truly lie. 2️⃣ Focusing only on diversity – True change comes from addressing not just diversity, but also equity and inclusion. All three pillars must work together to create lasting transformation. 3️⃣ No continuous evaluation – DEI isn’t a one-time fix. It requires ongoing evaluation and adjustment to stay effective. At IIBD, we help organizations avoid these mistakes by using data to create meaningful, measurable, and sustainable DEI strategies. If you want to ensure your efforts are driving real impact, let’s chat! 📅 Book a free 30-minute DEI audit with us today, and let’s work together to strengthen your approach. #DEI #EquityAndInclusion #Strategy #DataDriven #InclusiveLeadership #DiversityInBusiness #OrganizationalChange #ImpactfulDEI ----- Votre stratégie DEI rate-t-elle la cible ? La mise en œuvre d’initiatives en matière de diversité, d’équité et d’inclusion est essentielle, mais sans une approche axée sur les données, même les meilleures intentions peuvent échouer. De nombreuses organisations sont confrontées à des pièges courants qui limitent leur impact : 1️⃣ Négliger les données pour identifier les véritables lacunes – Sans analyser les données de votre organisation, il est difficile de voir où se situent réellement la sous-représentation ou les inégalités. 2️⃣ Se concentrer uniquement sur la diversité – Le véritable changement vient du fait de s’attaquer non seulement à la diversité, mais aussi à l’équité et à l’inclusion. Ces trois piliers doivent travailler ensemble pour créer une transformation durable. 3️⃣ Pas d’évaluation continue – La DEI n’est pas une solution ponctuelle. Elle nécessite une évaluation et un ajustement continus pour rester efficace. Chez IIBD, nous aidons les organisations à éviter ces erreurs en utilisant les données pour créer des stratégies DEI significatives, mesurables et durables. Si vous voulez vous assurer que vos efforts ont un impact réel, discutons-en! 📅 Réservez dès aujourd'hui un audit DEI gratuit de 30 minutes avec nous et travaillons ensemble pour renforcer votre approche. #EDI #ÉquitéEtInclusion #Stratégie #PilotéParLesDonnées #LeadershipInclusif #DiversitéEnAffaires #ChangementOrganisationnel #EDIImpactant

👏 On the International Day of Rural Women we recognize their critical roles and contributions. #RuralWomen, including Indigenous women: 💚 Enhance agricultural & rural development 💚 Improve food security & nutrition 💚 Help eradicate poverty Our statement: https://lnkd.in/dCy_j6qa #Beijing30

How does the replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA) connect to multilateralism and the geopolitics of Thomas Sankara? After attending the Economic Development Assembly last week in Abidjan, I enjoyed writing this article that examines the role of the IDA in promoting sustainable development. In it, I explore the challenges and opportunities the IDA faces within the current multilateral landscape, set against the historical backdrop of discourse surrounding international debt and debt relief. Will the IDA reach its historic campaign goal of $120 billion for the current replenishment? I’d love to read your thoughts and insights in the comments below! #InternationalDevelopment #SustainableDevelopment #IDA #Multilateralism #DebtRelief #EconomicDevelopment #Geopolitics

Check out our latest article written by Nana Mariam Maïga On September 9th and 10th, the inaugural Economic Development Assembly (EDA) took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Future”. Hosted by Global Citizen and Bridgewater Associates, in partnership with the Ivorian government and Harith General Partners, this two-day event gathered Heads of State, finance ministers, private sector leaders, multilateral banks, and civil society to discuss development barriers across the continent. A central focus of the Assembly was the need for mobilizing financial investments from G20 countries to support The World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) replenishment campaign - the 21st since its inception.

Saviez-vous que 75 % des organisations ne parviennent pas à mesurer correctement leur impact ? Dans le monde actuel axé sur les données, c’est une opportunité manquée ! Pourquoi mesurer l’impact ? La mesure de l’impact ne se résume pas seulement à des chiffres ; il s’agit de comprendre comment vos initiatives changent des vies et façonnent des communautés. Elle informe la stratégie, améliore les programmes et, surtout, valide le travail acharné que votre équipe accomplit chaque jour. Comment commencer à mesurer efficacement l’impact ? Fixez des objectifs clairs : commencez par ce que vous souhaitez atteindre. Des objectifs clairs conduisent à des mesures claires. Choisissez les bons outils : des plateformes d’analyse de données aux simples enquêtes, choisissez des outils qui capturent les données dont vous avez besoin. Engagez les parties prenantes : obtenez les commentaires de toutes les personnes impliquées (bénéficiaires, personnel et donateurs) pour évaluer l’ampleur réelle de votre impact. Rapports réguliers : faites de l’évaluation de l’impact une partie régulière de vos opérations pour suivre les progrès et adapter rapidement les stratégies. Mettez en œuvre et innovez : ne laissez pas votre organisation voler à l’aveugle ! La mise en œuvre de pratiques de mesure d’impact robustes peut catalyser la croissance et l’innovation au sein de votre organisation, transformant les informations en actions. Nous aimerions avoir de vos nouvelles ! Quelles mesures votre organisation a-t-elle mises en œuvre pour suivre son impact ? Quels défis avez-vous rencontrés au cours de ce parcours ? Partagez vos histoires ci-dessous ! Vous souhaitez mesurer l’impact ? Contactez-nous dès aujourd’hui ! #MesureImpact #DécisionsFondéesSurLesDonnées #SuccèsÀProfit #ImpactSocial #ActeursDeChangement

Did you know that a staggering #75% of organizations fail to properly measure their #impact? In today’s data-driven world, that’s a missed opportunity! Why Measure Impact? Measuring impact isn’t just about numbers; it’s about understanding how your initiatives change lives and shape communities. It informs strategy, improves programs, and, most importantly, it validates the hard work your team puts in every day. How to Start Measuring Impact Effectively? Set Clear Objectives: Begin with what you aim to achieve. Clear goals lead to clear metrics. Choose the Right Tools: From data analytics platforms to simple surveys, pick tools that capture the data you need. Engage Stakeholders: Get feedback from everyone involved—beneficiaries, staff, and donors—to gauge the true breadth of your impact. Regular Reporting: Make impact assessment a regular part of your operations to track progress and adapt strategies swiftly. Implement and Innovate: Don’t let your organization fly blind! Implementing robust impact measurement practices can catalyze growth and innovation within your organization, turning insights into action. We’d love to hear from you! What measures has your organization implemented to track its impact? What challenges have you faced in this journey? Share your stories below! Looking to measure impact contact us today! #ImpactMeasurement #DataDrivenDecisions #NonprofitSuccess #SocialImpact #ChangeMakers

Is It Really Ambition, or Is It Canada’s Business Ecosystem That Holds Entrepreneurs Back? I recently came across an article on BetaKit written by Douglas Soltys where Harley Finkelstein and Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke discussed the need for more ambition in Canada's entrepreneurial scene. Tobias Lütke specifically called out Canada’s “go-for-bronze” culture, claiming that ambition is a core problem. (https://lnkd.in/ecjd-jeZ) But let’s be honest—ambition alone won’t fix a broken system. The real issue isn’t just a lack of drive (we actually want to get gold!). It’s the structural barriers baked into Canada’s business ecosystem that hold back so many entrepreneurs, especially Black entrepreneurs. At The Inclusivity Institute for Better Data (IIBD), we’ve seen firsthand how #algorithmic biases and #proxy variables—like #geographic location and #credit scores—unfairly penalize Black entrepreneurs when they seek funding. It’s not about ambition. These entrepreneurs have plenty of that. It’s about #access—and right now, the system is designed to keep them out. One point I did agree with 'we’re also dealing with the worst year for VC fundraising in a decade, combined with tax changes that are killing investment opportunities for startups'. As such combined with structurally racism even the most ambitious entrepreneurs can’t succeed in an ecosystem where the odds are stacked against them. Check out our petition: Call to Action: Legislation to Eradicate Anti-Black Racism in Banking Practices 👉🏾 Sign the petition here: Change.org: https://lnkd.in/eq9BmAiy NewMode: https://lnkd.in/ePaB6-iv 👉🏾 Support our efforts by contributing here: Fund This Cause: https://lnkd.in/d6cGVcEt 👉🏾 To learn more, share your experience, and become more involved, contact us at: external.relations@inclusivityinstitute.ca Thank you for standing with us in this crucial cause! Join the conversation: #BlackEntrepreneurs #Advocacy #SupportBlackBusinesses #ItIsNotOK #Entrepreneurship #RacialEquity #FundTheCause

We Have News #11 A bit of local news, The City of Toronto has opened the Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square, dedicated to honouring residential school survivors and the children lost to their families and communities. Check it out if your any where near the GTA ! Our COO Dara Dillon has published a study exploring the experiences of Black Women staff at York University. This study reveals a complex and personal portrait of 6 lived realities - their challenges and triumphs. We have also shared a curated list of 32 children's books on diversity and an opinion piece by writer Dennis Cruywagen, who talks about the label "coloured." Check out the rest of our email newsletter by clicking the link below! https://wix.to/zE686ox Romain Williams Dara Dillon Siobhán Richards Aïssatou Fall Michele von Merveldt Ummehani Kanchwala