Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro hosted a Department of the Navy (DON) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summit, June 22, with senior DON, Navy, and Marine Corps leaders.
The goal of the summit was to discuss opportunities and identify action items to promote DEI initiatives and establish a renewed focus on data and evidence-based decision-making.
Throughout the day, the DON DEI Program Office facilitated discussions about DEI initiatives and progress within the Department. Presenters focused on how DEI influences cohesion within the Department and the role leaders play in those efforts. Attendees also discussed how innovation is enhanced by diversity, emphasizing diversity's connection to a mission ready force. Additionally, leaders discussed how diversity enhances innovation and creativity is highest during collaboration. Frans Johansson, American entrepreneur and author was the keynote speaker.
During the summit, SECNAV challenged all leaders, at every level, to assess where the DON, the Navy, and the Marine Corps are in achieving a more welcoming and inclusive environment, as well as identifying areas where we can continue to improve.
Off-site attendees included the Assistant Secretaries of the Navy, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and senior representatives of Navy and Marine Corps manpower branches.
