Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Thursday, 21 October 2021 | 1530-1630 hrs

DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity refers to differences in racial and ethnic groups, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and academic/professional backgrounds. People with various perspectives, backgrounds (degrees and social experience), religious beliefs, political beliefs, sexual orientations, heritage, and life experiences. Distinguishing the presence of different perspectives in a group is what diversity is all about. While equity is the act of treating everyone fairly and providing equal access to opportunities for all members of a group. Inclusion also entails feeling welcomed, valued, and heard. Diversity alone is not enough because a sense of belonging (inclusion) and a sense of fairness (equity) are critical.

It is recognized that DEI activities are of immense value to the geospatial industry. Several initiatives to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are being supported enthusiastically by the WGIC and its members, including their participation in current and future WGIC activities, committees, and programs. WGIC intends to engage with various stakeholders to create awareness through roundtables, panels and workshops. This panel discussion at the Geospatial World Forum 2021 is one such initiative aimed at raising DEI awareness in the geospatial community.

This initiative will assist in understanding the significance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with an emphasis on the benefits of diversity, the biases that impede inclusion, and the action items to become more inclusive.

Hosted by
ModeratorAlbert Momo, Vice President & Executive Director-Emerging Market and Funded Projects, Trimble, Moderator

Albert Momo

Trimble
Albert

Momo

Vice President & Executive Director-Emerging Market and Funded Projects
Trimble
Valrie Grant, Managing Director, Geotechvision

Valrie Grant

Geotechvision
Valrie

Grant

Managing Director
Geotechvision
Monica Sebillo, Chair, Focus Group Women in GI, EUROGI

Monica Sebillo

EUROGI
Monica

Sebillo

Chair, Focus Group Women in GI
EUROGI
Blazenka Micevic, Chair, Working Group Women in Surveying, CLGE

Blazenka Micevic

CLGE
Blazenka

Micevic

Chair, Working Group Women in Surveying
CLGE
Cyhana Williams, Co-founder, African Women in GIS,

Cyhana Williams

African Women in GIS
Cyhana

Williams

Co-founder
African Women in GIS
Nicole Blake, Diversity and Inclusion Leader, CSR Program Manager, TomTom

Nicole Blake

TomTom
Nicole

Blake

Diversity and Inclusion Leader, CSR Program Manager
TomTom