As we close out the first quarter, Roundtable staff took a moment to reflect on the past few months. With February’s focus on Black History and March’s spotlight on Women’s History, we took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of Black Americans and women and reflected on the importance of celebrating diversity in all forms.

Fundamentally, diversity is about recognizing and valuing individual differences. One way we can do this is through awareness and education. Education is one of the core pillars of the Roundtable’s value proposition: using our platform to create forums for our members to discuss timely issues, learn from one another, and share the ways they incorporate what they have learned into their business operations.

Over the course of the past two months, we honored the spirit of diversity by hosting and participating in a series of celebrations. These events included focusing our February Open Forum on our Talent Agenda and issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, supporting the Attorney General’s Guidance on DEI programs, promoting DEI events like the one held by Roundtable member Foley Hoag, and welcoming Nicole Obi, the President and CEO of BECMA, for a conversation on diversifying supply chains. Each convening was designed to educate Roundtable members and provide actionable options to promote equal opportunity.

Research has proven time and again that the contributions of diverse perspectives are an essential component of business competitiveness. In fact, one of the key pillars driving the Roundtable’s Talent Agenda focuses on Developing Untapped and Diverse Talent. At the same time, our policy work prioritizes Creating a Competitive Environment for Growth and Attracting and Retaining Talent, with strategies such as addressing the high cost of housing, doing business, and creating a competitive tax environment.

As we reflect on the work of the past few months, and look forward to the work ahead, we continue to be guided by the principles of opportunity, equity, and competitiveness. As we celebrate Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and every month throughout the year, these principles are inextricably linked and essential to the Roundtable’s focus on the long-term economic vitality of the Commonwealth.