"Strategy First" DEI Series: Session 1

The Strategy-First DEI Learning Series: Session 1

This virtual learning series introduces a “strategy-first” approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Unlike traditional identity-first DEI approaches, a “strategy-first” DEI approach positions executive leadership as co-creators of DEI strategy. In this version, DEI is a business lens applied to core business strategies, rather than a series of initiatives, activities, or programs that are not core to the business. You’ll hear real stories and experiences from experienced DEI strategists who have worked with several executive teams building strategy-first DEI approaches.

Session 1: How Zapier Leaders Co-Created Their DEI Strategy

This session shares the real journey of how Zapier developed a strategy-first DEI approach. Maggie Roque, Head of Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging & Equity (DIBE), and Brandon Sammut, Chief People Officer at Zapier, will share how they partnered with Zapier’s Executive Team and founders to co-create the DEI strategy together. They provided insight on how DEI integrates into their core business strategy and the business outcomes they have achieved so far.

About Brandon Sammut, Chief People Officer at Zapier:
Brandon Sammut is a two-time Chief People Officer, currently at Zapier. Brandon believes in remote work as a way to expand both individual opportunity and business results.
In this work, Brandon draws on prior experience in talent acquisition, talent development, strategy consulting, business development, and venture capital. He lives in Berkeley, CA.

About Maggie Roque, Dir. Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging & Equity (DIBE) at Zapier:
Prior to joining Zapier at the start of 2022, Maggie had over 10 years of DEI experience supporting underrepresented students in higher education and building DEI programs for companies like Pluralsight and Clearlink. She lives in Utah. Maggie believes in breaking barriers in our workspaces and communities in order to enhance the employee and human experience. In her work as a DEI practitioner, She has learned that innovation and creativity don’t thrive in a one-size-fits-all environment. Maggie drives companies and organizations to develop sustainable culture and strategy that focus on the holistic outcome. Having worked in academia and in tech, she is uniquely qualified to transform theory into practice. Maggie is passionate about inventive approaches and at her best when given the autonomy to find a solution by building a new experience, strategy, or team. Advocacy, relationships, and accessible education energize and center her.

About Sara Jones, President and Founder InclusionPro:
Sara Jones has advocated throughout her career for the benefits of greater diversity in our companies, boardrooms and circles of power. From patent attorney to CEO, Sara has 24 years of executive and leadership experience spanning business, technology, content, revenue, and legal strategy. Sara's adoption story has been featured by TED, NPR and other international media. She speaks on a wide variety of leadership, entrepreneurship, and diversity, equity and inclusion topics – both in-person and virtually. Sara has a J.D. from J. Reuben Clark Law School and a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Utah. She serves on the Utah State Workforce Development Board and the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Utah Chapter. Jones is a Founder of Women Tech Council (WTC), a national organization focused on the economic impact of women in driving high growth for the technology sector. Jones’ recognitions include Kirk Englehardt
Business Ethics Award (2024), Distinguished Alumni University of Utah (2021), and Utah Business Magazine CEO of the Year (2019).

About InclusionPro®
InclusionPro creates transformative diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies on a global scale. We strive for organizational alignment, honoring the journey of leaders and teams as we work together toward equitable outcomes. We offer a range of services: Leadership & Transformation: Diverse and inclusive cultures start from the top. Executive leaders are key to the success of organizational transformation. InclusionPro works with executive teams to build and implement DEI strategies with aligned and sustainable outcomes. We also create DEI business integration plans for executive teams and inclusion committees to operationalize transformation processes. Training & Learning Development: DEI strategies often call for training on diversity, inclusion and equity topics to build leadership skills and improve team performance. We also build custom training products that align with your company DEI mission and values. InclusionPro works across a range of industries including technology, engineering, materials manufacturing, financial/venture firms, human resources, legal services, health care, higher education, e-commerce, consumer products, distribution, and non-profit organizations.