If there’s anything the last three years have taught us, it’s that achieving DE&I is a journey that takes commitment and dedication. Launched in 2021 by SIA in response to the social unrest and upheaval of 2020, the DE&I Influencers – US and Canada list has highlighted professionals across the ecosystem who are dedicated to the cause, working to create diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces and communities.

The editorial staff has been proud to produce this list and highlight these professionals who are working hard to effect change. Their work gives us hope that a diverse, equitable and inclusive ecosystem is on the horizon. But it has been a slow process, and commitment sometimes gives way to other priorities as the business tides ebb and flow. However, the 49 people who comprise the 2023 DE&I Influencers list are not slowing down, regardless of what might be happening in their C-suites. They are shaping programs for their organizations, for the industry and for their communities.

But what is happening in the C-suite? Managing Editor Katherine Alvarez in her cover feature on page 14 notes how some companies are letting their heads of DE&I go amid other layoffs. Meanwhile, Vaco President Kevin Witt encourages his counterparts not to let up. “Keeping diversity at the forefront of your business — even during challenging times such as these — is a necessity,” he says on page 12.

C-suite commitment aside, DE&I work cannot be undertaken alone, writes SIA’s Jenn Simon, workforce strategies research director, on page 8. Staffing suppliers, VMS and MSP providers, hiring and solutions partners, legislative bodies, internal stakeholders, community organizations and contingent workers all need to be in on the conversations.

For their part, diversity-owned staffing firms are seeing an increased focus among their clients for help achieving a diverse talent pool. Senior Editorial Director Craig Johnson shares their experiences on page 24.

For our part, we are committed to keeping DE&I at the forefront of our reporting and are proud to honor the 2023 Influencers. Together, we hope to keep the conversations and momentum going on this journey to diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces.