Diversity in Retail (DiR) Wins Retail Association of the Year Award
Diversity in Retail (DiR) has been honoured as the Retail Association of the Year for their outstanding work in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the retail sector.
This recognition comes as a result of their relentless efforts to support retailers in becoming more inclusive and diverse, making a tangible impact on employees across the industry.
Founded by Tea Colaianni, DiR has built a thriving collaboration community that positively impacts 1.2 million employees in retail, across more than 110 companies. Over the past year, they have expanded their influence by providing resources, support, and a forum for open discussion, equipping leaders with the tools they need to bring about meaningful change in the retail industry.
Key Initiatives by DiR:
- Leadership Development Programmes: DiR has delivered groundbreaking, cross-industry programmes that have had a significant impact on nurturing talent within the retail industry. By the end of 2023, they will have completed a total of 8 cohorts, involving over 1,300 participants, more than double last year’s total. These initiatives have helped high-potential employees, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, gain the confidence and skills to take on leadership roles.
- Advancing Inclusion Efforts: DiR’s collaborative approach to tackling EDI issues has led to the creation of various strategies and action plans that support their members in fostering diverse and inclusive environments. DiR actively supports the sector through mentoring, training, webinars, and research, ensuring that businesses are equipped with the necessary knowledge and guidance to embed EDI principles effectively.
- Advocacy and Industry Impact: Through their work with 42 member companies, DiR has been instrumental in helping the retail industry progress towards inclusivity. They have facilitated leadership discussions, research, and data collection to identify gaps in diversity and have made recommendations on how to bridge these gaps.
Why This Win is Special
DiR stands out as a leading force in creating a more inclusive and equitable retail industry. Their relentless efforts have inspired numerous companies to improve their diversity and inclusion strategies, making them a catalyst for positive change. As winners of the Retail Association of the Year, they continue to push for progress, providing invaluable resources, programmes, and a supportive community to ensure that every voice is heard and valued in the retail sector.
DiR’s ongoing commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion is not only reshaping the culture within organisations but is also influencing how retailers connect with their customers, ensuring that the industry is truly representative of the diverse society it serves.
DiR works in close collaboration with WiHTL (Women in Hospitality, Travel & Leisure) to achieve their joint mission of supporting companies across the Retail, Hospitality, Travel, and Leisure industries in creating diverse and inclusive environments. Together, they aim to positively impact 5 million employees globally by 2030, driving significant change across multiple sectors. This partnership amplifies their reach and effectiveness, ensuring a wider and more profound impact on diversity and inclusion within the industry.
