Let’s be real: these days, everyone’s talking about being a “DEI hire” like it’s some kind of new corporate fad. But Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just the hot new thing to throw on a job description—it’s the backbone of a workplace that actually works for everyone.
So, what does DEI stand for, and why should you care? DEI isn’t just about diversity; it’s about equity (making sure the playing field is level) and inclusion (making sure everyone actually gets to play). And yet, too often, accessibility is left out of the conversation.
That’s why we’re spotlighting five people who aren’t just talking the talk—they’re out there pushing DEI forward, with a focus on inclusion and accessibility, in a world where that matters more than ever.
What is DEI?
Alright, so what is DEI, anyway? Let’s break it down. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—three big words that basically mean “making the workplace suck less for everyone.”
Diversity is pretty straightforward: it’s all about bringing in people from different backgrounds—whether that’s race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, you name it. In a workplace, that might look like a team of people who don’t all think, look, or act the same. But diversity alone doesn’t cut it.
Then there’s equity, which isn’t just about treating everyone the same. It’s about fairness. Picture this: you’re all playing a game, but some people have been handed a head start while others are stuck at the starting line. Equity means leveling the playing field so that everyone has an equal shot at winning—because it’s hard to compete when the system’s rigged against you from the start.
But wait—there’s more! Inclusion is where it all comes together. It’s not enough to invite diverse voices into the room; you have to make sure they’re actually heard. Inclusion is about creating a space where everyone feels like they matter, and their contributions count.
And let’s not forget accessibility. In the world of DEI, it’s the key to making sure everyone—not just the loudest or most visible—can engage and participate fully. Whether it’s providing captions for meetings or making physical spaces wheelchair-friendly, accessibility ensures that no one is left out of the conversation.
Why DEI is Essential to Modern Workplaces
If you’re still wondering why DEI matters, let’s talk dollars and sense (yes, both kinds). Companies that embrace diversity in the workplace don’t just get to pat themselves on the back—they actually see a boost in their bottom line.
In fact, research shows that diverse teams are 87% better at making decisions. That’s right—when you’ve got different perspectives at the table, you’re less likely to miss the mark and more likely to innovate.
When employees feel included and valued, productivity goes up, turnover goes down, and you’ve got a recipe for long-term success. Don’t just take our word for it—companies with higher levels of diversity and inclusion outperform their competitors by a whopping 35%.
“Companies that embrace diversity in the workplace don’t just get to pat themselves on the back—they actually see a boost in their bottom line.”
DEI training plays a massive role in this success. It’s not just about ticking a box—it’s about equipping employees and leadership with the tools to create a more inclusive and accessible environment. From addressing unconscious bias to understanding how to foster inclusion for people with disabilities, these programs help lay the foundation for a workplace where everyone thrives. In fact, companies that invest in DEI training see a measurable impact on employee engagement and well-being.
It’s clear: a workplace built on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility isn’t just good for people—it’s good for business.
The Importance of Inclusion and Accessibility in DEI
What is DEI without inclusion and accessibility? Spoiler alert: not much. Diversity in the workplace is a great start, but without inclusion and accessibility, it’s like inviting everyone to the party and then not letting half the guests through the door.
For companies serious about DEI, the work doesn’t stop at recruiting a diverse team. The real challenge is making sure every individual, including those with disabilities, has equal access to opportunities and the tools they need to thrive. This can be as simple as providing accessible meeting spaces or as forward-thinking as offering live captioning solutions like Ava to make sure Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees aren’t left out of crucial conversations. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can participate fully—and that’s where inclusion and accessibility come in.
“Diversity in the workplace is a great start, but without inclusion and accessibility, it’s like inviting everyone to the party and then not letting half the guests through the door.”
5 DEI Leaders Making Workplaces Truly Accessible
Let’s talk about the people who are leading the charge in DEI and making sure accessibility isn’t just an afterthought. These five leaders aren’t just talking the talk—they’re reshaping workplaces so that accessibility and inclusion are front and center. From creating more equitable hiring practices to ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has the accessibility tools they need to succeed, these trailblazers are making a real difference.
Melissa “echo” Greenlee, Founder and CEO of deaffriendly
Melissa “echo” Greenlee’s personal experience with hearing loss from a young age ignited her passion for advancing inclusion and accessibility for the Deaf community. In 2012, she founded deaffriendly, a consulting firm that helps businesses provide more accessible and inclusive services to the 48 million Deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers in the U.S.
Alt text: deaffriendly consulting logo. The words “deaffriendly [consulting]” show in blue. On top, there are three silhouettes of dark and light blue figures.
Through deaffriendly Consulting, Greenlee and her team offer tailored solutions to businesses, ensuring that their efforts aren’t one-size-fits-all. Their Deaf-Friendly Assessment, for example, provides on-site evaluations to identify both the wins and gaps in accessibility. From there, deaffriendly crafts actionable plans to help companies bridge those gaps.
Deaffriendly’s impact extends further through specialized customer service training and ASL classes, ensuring that businesses not only meet accessibility standards but also build meaningful connections with their Deaf customers. Her work has earned her the Marilyn J. Smith Inspiration Award, cementing her role as a leader in advancing inclusion and accessibility within the Deaf community.
Sheri Byrne-Haber, IAAP Advisor and W3C Task Force Co-Chair
Sheri Byrne-Haber is a powerhouse in the world of accessibility, combining her expertise in computer science, law, and business to architect global accessibility programs that don’t just meet standards—they set them. With over 180 articles on Medium, she has become a prolific voice on how to make workplaces more accessible.
Sheri’s thought leadership spans across high-impact industries like healthcare and tech, where she has worked with giants like Kaiser Permanente and VMware to drive compliance with critical disability-related laws, including the ADA and Section 504. Her work involves everything from conducting accessibility audits to developing strategic roadmaps that push companies toward more inclusive digital environments.
A member of multiple influential committees, including the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) and the W3C Accessibility Maturity Model Task Force, Sheri’s work impacts accessibility policy at a global level.
She’s also a sought-after speaker and consultant, helping organizations design and execute accessibility programs that bring substantial change. Recognized for her leadership, she received the 2020 Medium UX Collective Author of the Year award. Sheri’s holistic approach to accessibility—rooted in law, technology, and business—embodies the very meaning of inclusion and accessibility, as she continues to shape a more accessible world.
Catarina Rivera, Public Speaker and DEIA Consultant
Catarina Rivera is on a mission to break down disability stigmas and build a more inclusive world, one story at a time. As the founder of Blindish Latina, she leverages her platform to educate and advocate for disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility through powerful public speaking, customized DEIA consulting, and impactful training workshops. Having worn hearing aids since childhood and been diagnosed with progressive vision loss as a teenager, Catarina's lived experience fuels her work to reshape how we think about disability in both personal and professional spaces.
With over 14 years in the public sector and a deep knowledge of accessibility core competencies, Catarina is an in-demand voice on the global stage. A member of RespectAbility's National Disability Speakers Bureau and KeyNote Women's Global Speakers Directory, she’s delivered talks at TEDx, appeared in Nasdaq and Forbes, and was named one of HonestCulture’s Top 21 DEI Influencers of 2021. Her work extends to her popular Instagram platform @BlindishLatina, which earned her a 2024 Webby Awards nomination. Catarina's approach to DEIA is all about smashing barriers through storytelling, advocacy, and expert consultation, making her a trailblazer in the inclusion and accessibility space.
Karen Michael, President of KarenMichael Consulting
Karen Michael is a leading expert in employment law and human resources, with a career spanning over 29 years. As the President of KarenMichael Consulting, her Richmond-based firm offers a range of services, including leadership and employee training, workplace investigations, and Title IX compliance consulting. Her firm partners with organizations of all sizes—from state agencies to international corporations—helping them navigate complex issues such as harassment, discrimination, and workplace misconduct.
In addition to her legal work, Karen is a highly sought-after public speaker, known for her engaging and informative presentations at national conferences like SHRM and the EEOC Technical Seminars. Her workplace harassment talks consistently rank among the top nationally. As an educator, Karen has taught at the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University, influencing the next generation of leaders. Karen’s commitment to fostering inclusive and legally compliant workplaces makes her a respected figure in both the HR and legal landscapes.
Samantha Evans, Certification Director at IAAP
Samantha Evans is a transformative leader in the world of digital accessibility and disability inclusion. As the Certification Director at the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), she has overseen the explosive growth of IAAP’s certification programs, driving the number of certifications awarded from just 35 in 2016 to over 7,000 today, spanning more than 100 countries. Her expertise lies in crafting strategic maturity processes that not only boost accessibility but also align with global business goals and social responsibility efforts. With a focus on program management, brand strategy, and cross-organization planning, Samantha helps organizations map out the customer journey and achieve measurable outcomes in their accessibility initiatives.
Samantha’s commitment to advancing the accessibility profession is evident in her ability to bridge the gap between technical accessibility and strategic integration at the boardroom level. Under her leadership, IAAP’s certifications have become essential benchmarks for accessibility skills across industries, influencing hiring and procurement practices worldwide. She has also spearheaded the development of new certification programs and workshops that provide actionable insights into disability inclusion. Through her advocacy on LinkedIn and her leadership at IAAP, Samantha continues to shape the future of digital accessibility, empowering professionals to build more inclusive environments.
Wrapping Up
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are more than just corporate, or even political buzzwords—they are the foundation for creating workplaces where everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive. The five DEI leaders we’ve highlighted are paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible world, breaking down barriers and setting new standards for how organizations should support their employees and customers alike. Their work demonstrates the power of DEI in transforming work environments into spaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and able to contribute.
But accessibility isn’t just about physical spaces—it’s about ensuring that communication is seamless for everyone. That’s where Ava Live Captions comes in. Ava helps companies create more inclusive meetings, events, and workspaces by providing real-time captions and post-production captions that support Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. By integrating Ava Live Captions into your DEI strategy, you’ll be taking a crucial step toward fostering a work culture where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully and thrive.
Ready to make your workplace more accessible? Contact us to learn how Ava Live Captions can help your company stay ahead in today’s diverse and ever-evolving work environment.
