Our Story
With the simple intent to replenish the mental fortitude and resilience of DEI practitioners, The DEI Collective (commonly referred to as The Collective) launched in May 2021 in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Today, with over 190 DEI practitioners from all major industries, The DEI Collective leverages its collaborative impact to shape a more just world.
The Collective convenes monthly around key opportunities, tangible solutions, celebrating wins, shared practices, and peer support that results in systemic change. The DEI Collective also curates summits and experiences that sit at the intersection of culture and creativity to provide an activation platform for changemakers seeking to advance more diverse, inclusive, and equitable outcomes.
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Our Founder
Lori Spicer Robertson is a creative change agent always pursuing opportunities to transform lives and foster sustainable progress. As a natural connector and multi-hyphenate, she currently serves as the VP, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, founder of The DEI Collective - an industry agnostic collaborative of DEI leaders creating more just work environments and communities, and the founder and Chief Joymaker of an experiential membership community created to reconnect women and mothers to a life of joy called Wundher.
Most recently, she held the role of VP, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Saks Fifth Avenue to design a more inclusive experience for employees, customers, and partners. A thought leader on women and mothers; diversity, equity, and inclusion; leadership and authentic joy, Lori is sought after by companies, universities, and organizations annually to share her narrative. She is wife to her fellow community crusader Eric Robertson, mother to her amazing boys - Liam and Emory, and they all believe in their family motto to ‘live in your vision and not your circumstances’.
Our Approach
The DEI Collective, is dedicated to fostering a workplace and society that thrives on diversity and inclusivity. Our approach is centered on core principles: an unwavering commitment to change and inclusivity, data-driven decision-making, ongoing education, and a supportive environment where everyone's voice is heard and respected. We actively engage with our communities, hold ourselves accountable, and emphasize collaboration, making DEI a shared journey. Together, we aim to create a world where diversity is celebrated, equity is the norm, and inclusion is the foundation of every interaction.
The Collective in Numbers
288+
Collective Members
197
Companies
Respresented
98%
Domestic Members
2%
Global Members
8%
77%
15%
Years in DEI
30 > Years
15 -30 < Years
15 < Years
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