In a time when political debates can quickly cause confusion in managing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives, clarity has emerged as a central solution for M3AAWG.

The need for clarity within the broader DEIB discussion was front and center during M3AAWG’s 63rd General Meeting in Vancouver earlier this month, in a BoF (Birds of a Feather) co-presented by Expert Advisors Angelica Mandell, MSW, and Janet Jones, Co-Chair of the DEIB Committee. M3AAWG’s DEIB Committee sponsored the BoF with support from DEIB Co-Chair Amanda Jackson and Vice Chair J van Aalten.

The Politicization Problem

In an article on the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) website, Dr. Catherine Ashcraft, Director of Organizational Research & Change, presents the case for “Cutting Through the Chaos” in a guide for navigating the current confusion within DEIB efforts.

This article served as the central discussion point for the BoF, as Janet and Angelica expounded on M3AAWG’s efforts to dispel the DEIB confusion.

“Conversations around DEIB have increasingly been shaped by competing narratives, some of which are based on misunderstandings or incomplete information,” Janet said. “With clarity, we can move past the noise, focus on shared values, and ground our efforts in truth, inclusion, and progress.”

Key Takeaways from Dr. Ashcraft’s Article and M3AAWG’s BoF 

Some important takeaways discussed at the BoF, as also highlighted in Dr. Ashcraft's article1, are as follows:

• Avoid mandatory "diversity training" that is not accessible to everyone or that ends up spreading blame.
• Never implement quotas, prioritize "headcounts," or give preference to certain groups.
• Training and programming should be connected to a larger strategy. ("One-off" or reactionary interventions serve as performative, virtue-signaling efforts and could be met with backlash.)
• DEIB efforts should be centered on creating a more inclusive environment for all by addressing biases and removing barriers faced by different individuals.
• Creating or expanding opportunities and pathways for a broader range of people should be a priority.

M3AAWG’s Role in Providing CLARITY

The origins of M3AAWG’s diversity and inclusion efforts, as detailed in a 2019 article titled “Our Commitment in M3AAWG to Diversity and Inclusion – A ‘Pioneers in Skirts’ Endorsement,” remain steadfast.

Just as in 2019, the organization’s resolve is unwavering when it comes to ensuring that our pursuits and efforts to seek solutions to the world’s cybersecurity challenges work for all people and are considerate of how they will impact diverse groups.

In addition to providing clarity, M3AAWG plans to serve as a model organization through a commitment to:

• Foster and maintain a diverse and inclusive culture for members.
• Leverage partners such as NCWIT to educate members and apply best practices.
• Ask tough questions and be unafraid to discuss and challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones.

Turning toward clarity is not only an overarching theme of the path forward for M3AAWG’s DEIB agenda, but it is also at the forefront of its newly announced priorities and focus areas.

As outlined in these revamped priorities and focus areas, the organization has identified seven key principles that embody the “CLARITY” of our values: Collaboration, Learning, Awareness, Responsibility, Invested, Trust, and a reminder to our community: “You Belong Here.”

"Let’s all take a step back and remember why these efforts are important. At the heart of our work in DEIB and within our organization is the commitment to creating a truly inclusive environment, fueled by clarity in our values and how we communicate," Angelica said.

Save the Date and Get Involved

To continue this discussion in full force, we are excited to have a follow-up session slated for M3AAWG’s 65th General Meeting, which will be held October 13-16, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dr. Brenda Allen, author of Why Difference Matters, will be joining us to further the discussion we began in Vancouver. If you are a member interested in helping prepare for this interactive session, please reach out to our DEIB Committee and learn more about attending the meeting here.  Not a M3AAWG member? Learn more about Why M3AAWG and joining M3AAWG.

By anchoring your DEIB efforts in clarity—of purpose, language, and intent—you create space for real inclusion and impact. Start with honest conversations, intentional strategy, and a shared understanding of what equity truly means. Now is the time for organizations to lean into it, define their path forward, and ensure everyone knows they belong.

1Ashcraft, C. Cutting through the chaos: A guide for navigating the current confusion related to DEI efforts. National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). https://ncwit.org/blog/cutting-through-the-chaos-a-guide-for-navigating-...