Table of Diversity
A groundbreaking tool designed to expand your understanding of diversity beyond the familiar categories of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other marginalized groups. By using the Table of Diversity, you'll explore new dimensions of DEI and discover strategies to foster real, sustainable change in your organization where everyone thrives.
What is the Table of Diversity?
​
Inspired by the Periodic Table of Elements from Chemistry, the Table of Diversity organizes various elements of diversity in a way that's accessible, relatable, and actionable. It helps individuals, teams, and organizations see the bigger picture of diversity, offering a broader view of the identities, experiences, and perspectives that shape our world.​
​
What You Can Achieve with the Table of Diversity:
Personal and Professional Growth​
​
Learn more about others by learning more about yourself. Go on a journey of learning and unlearning to build self-awareness and confidence.
​
Team Collaboration and Inclusion
​
Use the Table of Diversity as a catalyst (science pun intended!) for discussions that go deeper than surface-level and encourage people to 'bring their entire self to work'.
​
Systemic Change and Equity
​
Better understand the systemic dis/advantages that create gaps that unintentionally hurt and help various groups of people.
Expand How You See and Value People
OBJECTIVE 1
What aspects of identity do you and your DEI efforts focus on most? There is probably a heightened focus on the protected classes- race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. There's so much more to diversity! There's so much more to people! When we see and recognize more aspects of identity, we invite everyone to participant in and benefit from the work of DEI.
​
By expanding how you see and value people, you will:
​
1. Authentically include more people. How many times have you heard people say that they don't feel like DEI is for them? If you can see yourself on the Table of Diversity, it's for you! Meet people where they are and treat them how they want to be treated. Authentically create a culture where people feel like they belong.
​
2. Address more aspects of equity. Get to the root cause of issues by expanding the possible factors. How many times have you looked at your organization's systems, policies, and practices through the lens of location? How does people experience your organization and the world living in rural areas versus suburban areas? Working remotely versus working in office? You may uncover gaps that you didn't know existed!
Explore Intersectionality
OBJECTIVE 2
The Table of Diversity doesn't just help you identify individual Diversity Elements- it also illuminates the intersections of identity. Intersectionality occurs when a person identifies with multiple marginalized and privileged identities and their experience in the world. Intersectionality also analyzes policies, programs, and initiatives for systemic inequities.
​
By recognizing intersectionality, you will:
​
1. Understand your intersectional identity. Learn how all the aspects of the Table of Diversity combine and transform to create unique experiences of inclusion and exclusion.
2. Develop More Inclusive Strategies. Address the needs of people who sit at the intersection of multiple identities, ensuring they are seen, heard and valued.
3. Strengthen your DEI Impact. Approach DEI with a lens that considers the full complexity of identity, leading to deeper understanding and more effective change.
Analyze and Address Systemic Dis/Advantage
OBJECTIVE 3
The Table of Diversity introduces language and a framework for analyzing and addressing systemic disadvantage and advantage. Instead of using the words 'privilege' and 'marginalization', we shift to a language that prioritizes the impact various systems have on people- both good and bad.
​
By analyzing and addressing systemic dis/advantage, you will:
​
1. Recognize how various systems help or hurt. Better understand equity and inequity by analyzing systems.
2. Partner with people with lived experience and experts to co-create solutions that are sustainable.
The Science of DEI
1. The Table of Diversity is Rooted in Science and Data
​​
The Table of Diversity isn't just a conceptual tool; it's grounded in rigorous scientific principles that ensure its effectiveness and reliability.
​
At its core, the Table of Diversity draws inspiration from Chemistry. The framework that makes Chemistry easy to comprehend, is the same framework used to understand and implement the Table of Diversity. Not only are the individual Diversity Elements important, but they combine to create unique intersections of identity that we need to recognize and understand.
​
The Table of Diversity is rooted in science. Each Diversity Element is backed by Industrial/Organizational Psychology, DEI, Political Science, and other relevant research to ensure you can utilize this tool in your own strategic efforts.
​
With the Table of Diversity, you're not just adopting a tool; you're embracing a scientifically-rooted approach that's designed to foster lasting, meaningful change.
​
2. There's a Science to DEI!
​
Many of us learned about the fundamental aspects of chemistry while in high school. Things like- how different elements and compounds interact to create reactions, the role of catalysts, acids, bases, and polymers. But have you ever thought about how these scientific principles can be applied to DEI, people, and our organizations?
​
The Table of Diversity is just the beginning of the parallels between chemistry and DEI. To better understand DEI, let's turn to science!
About The Table of Diversity Creator
Demetria Miles-McDonald
Hello and welcome to the Table of Diversity universe!
My name is Demetria Miles-McDonald and I'm dedicated to promoting understanding and meaningful engagement in our diverse workplaces. With over a decade of experience in professional speaking, training, and consulting, I've had the privilege of partnering with industry leading organizations such as NASA, Humana, and In-Q-Tel to foster inclusive and equitable environments.
My Journey
My background in chemistry has profoundaly influenced my approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and intersectionality. I've always been fascinated by the interactions and reactions that occur at the molecular level, which parallels the complex dynamics of human relationships. The inspiration for the Table of Diversity stems from the Periodic Table of Elements. And, fun fact: The creator of the Periodic Table of Elements is Dmitri Mendeleev. I'm pretty sure I was Dmitri in a previous life!
The Table of Diversity is my modern take on the periodic table of elements. It serves as a framework for understanding the diverse identities and experiences that shape our world. I believe that just as the periodic table of elements organized the complexities of matter, the Table of Diversity helps organizations and individuals navigate the intricate landscape of human connection.​
My Mission
At the heart of my work is the belief that every individual has a unique story that contributes to the larger narrative of our communities. The Table of Diversity is designed to be useful in three ways:
* For individuals: The Table of Diversity serves as a personal tool for self-discovery. It invites people to reflect on their own identities, thought processes, and experiences, fostering greater self-awareness and showing up with purpose.
* For teams: The Table of Diversity is a powerful resource for team engagement. It helps team members understand each other's backgrounds, values, and perspectives, creating a foundation for collaboration and mutual respect. By exploring diversity together, teams can enhance their dynamics and drive collective growth.
*For organizations: The Table of Diversity facilitates a systemic shift in how organizations operate. It challenges existing structures and practices, encouraging leaders to reevaluate their strategies and implement sustainable, inclusive practices.