The impact of diversity, equity and inclusion pledges in the workplace

Last week, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced that the state hired its first chief equity officer, who will create a new state office of equity and opportunity. 

Offices and positions like this have become more common in the past few years. 

After George Floyd was murdered in 2020, corporations made pledges to address systemic discrimination both within their organizations and in the community. 

As of October 2022, companies had pledged nearly $340 billion to support racial justice, according to McKinsey & Company.

But, what has actually changed? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two diversity, equity and inclusion leaders in the Twin Cities about what DEI looks like in practice and how to create meaningful change. 

Guests:

• Courtney Schroeder is the head of diversity, inclusion and belonging at General Mills. He was previously director of global inclusion at General Mills.

• Angela Spranger is the senior diversity officer and director for the Center for Inclusive Excellence at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She has a PhD in organizational leadership.