Inclusion is intentionally engaging people based on respect of difference and honoring their dignity. Inclusion is giving people a seat at the table, listening to their perspectives and voices, communicating effectively across lines of difference, building and bridging relationships, and so much more. We must build inclusive environments in order to effectively engage with the diversity in our workplaces and communities.

Diversity refers to our collective variations (i.e., gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, parental status, sexual orientation, immigration status, gender identity, generation, and more). A group is diverse, a person is not. A person is complex and may hold many different types of identities that contribute to the diversity of a group. Leaders need to know how to engage with and lead a diverse workforce and communities. 

Equity is checking our processes, practices, and systems to make sure everyone has what they need to access opportunities and be successful. An equity lens allows us to identify where the playing field may not be level and make necessary adjustments to work toward equal outcomes.

Accessibility is the practice of universal design: making information, activities, and/or environments meaningful and usable to all people. Accessibility centers people with disabilities, cognitive disabilities, and low literacy skills as well as interpretation or translation of materials in culturally appropriate languages.