Ending Checkbox Diversity: Rewriting the Story of Performative Allyship in Corporate America [Paperback]

DEI isn’t just a box to check.

As a triple minority who passes for a straight white woman in corporate America, Dannie Lynn Fountain has seen too many companies pretend to care about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) only for its public relations outcomes. In Ending Checkbox Diversity, Fountain explores how the current structure of corporate DEI lends itself to the continued oppression of marginalized identities. She examines the narrow objectives and metrics that allow for shallow or no improvement and how shifting diversity responsibility to employee resource groups enables companies to disclaim responsibility for making meaningful progress. She looks at the impact of Zennials and Gen Zers, the most diverse generations ever, and breaks down precisely why some notable examples of poor DEI initiatives failed (and what should have been done differently). And she builds a road map for what real DEI looks like and how to avoid the performative allyship trope.“A thought-provoking and essential read for all company leaders and DEI practitioners to interrogate current practices in the field to inspire conscious action.”
—Farzana Nayani, author of The Power of Employee Resource Groups

“I’m always impressed by Dannie’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. On many occasions, I’ve witnessed her approaching other leaders with her concern about a lack of diversity and then furnishing facts, data, and alternative options.”
—Reina Pomeroy, MSW, PCC, Senior Director of Community, Good Inside
 
“Dannie Lynn Fountain is a unicorn. It’s rare to meet someone with the depth of experience she has . . . as well as the high emotional intelligence, together in one unstoppable force.&rdqlS%