Diversity initiatives—also known as diversity and inclusion initiatives or D&I—are policies and procedures implemented by a business or other organization that are designed to improve workplace and career experiences and outcomes for women and racial and ethnic minorities. Organizations usually begin a diversity initiative with a statement by top management that the initiative is a priority for the organization, and sometimes hire a Director of Diversity & Inclusion or Chief Equality Officer to implement the organization’s goals related to hiring and retention of diverse employees.

In California, diversity initiatives are supported by a robust legal framework that encourages equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination in the workplace. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is the primary state law that makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on race, gender, and other protected characteristics. Additionally, California has passed legislation such as Senate Bill 826, which requires publicly held corporations headquartered in California to have a minimum number of women on their boards of directors, and Assembly Bill 979, which requires these corporations to include directors from underrepresented communities. These laws reflect the state's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Employers in California are encouraged to develop and implement diversity initiatives to comply with these regulations and to foster an inclusive environment. Hiring a Director of Diversity & Inclusion or a Chief Equality Officer can be part of these initiatives, ensuring that the organization's goals for hiring and retention of diverse employees are strategically and effectively pursued.