Amazon, the e-commerce giant, is undergoing a significant shift in its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as highlighted in a recent internal memo. The company aims to move from fragmented and separate employee resource groups to more unified programs that foster a truly inclusive culture. This new strategy is led by Candi Castleberry, VP of inclusive experiences and technology, and revolves around focusing on programs with proven outcomes that address specific disparities. The intention is to dissolve these programs once the disparities are eliminated, signaling a major change in how Amazon integrates DEI into its operations.
A New Direction for DEI
From “Bolted On” to “Built In”
Previously, Amazon’s DEI initiatives were often criticized for being “bolted on” rather than integrated into the company’s existing processes, making them appear more as an afterthought than a core element of the business. The new direction aims to embed DEI into the very fabric of Amazon’s operations, creating an environment where diversity and inclusion are inherent and not just additional efforts. This paradigm shift entails moving toward programs that are “built in” and “born inclusive,” ensuring that DEI becomes a natural part of the organizational culture and daily operations.
This new strategy marks a departure from the traditional means of addressing DEI issues. By focusing on unified programs that address specific disparities, the company plans to create measurable and sustainable change. Once these disparities are resolved, Amazon intends to dissolve the specific programs, indicating a fluidity and responsiveness to the needs of its diverse workforce. According to Castleberry, the goal is to have DEI initiatives that are not just added on but are fundamental to how the company operates, ensuring they are effective and inclusive from the outset.
Misleading Headlines and Public Perception
Some headlines have misleadingly suggested that Amazon might be eliminating DEI initiatives altogether based on recent changes. However, this is not reflected in the internal memo, which emphasizes streamlined and more effective DEI efforts rather than a complete eradication of such programs. The memo indicates that Amazon’s DEI strategy is evolving to be more strategically integrated, aiming for long-term impact rather than short-term fixes. This approach is designed to create an inclusive culture that evolves with the company’s growth and the changing societal landscape.
Public perception can often be swayed by headlines that do not capture the full complexity of the situation. The reduction in the number of DEI programs may be seen as a reduction in commitment, but the reality is that Amazon is seeking to refine its approach to make it more impactful. By doing so, the company hopes to address root causes of inequities rather than just symptoms. This method ensures that DEI is not just a series of projects but a core component of the business strategy, aimed at fostering genuine inclusivity.
Changes in Public Commitments
Removal from Policy Positions Webpage
In contrast to Amazon’s internal overhaul, it was noted that the company’s policy positions webpage had recently removed sections explicitly supporting Black equity and LGBTQ+ rights. Previously, Amazon’s webpage included strong statements and commitments to combating inequitable treatment of Black individuals, as well as support for legislation against racial bias in policing and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, including protections and equal rights for transgender individuals. These specific sections were removed as of mid-January 2025, according to the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine, which has led to public concern and scrutiny.
The removal of these commitments from the public-facing webpage has caused some to question Amazon’s dedication to DEI. While the internal memo indicates a stronger, more integrated approach to DEI, the outward removal of these statements could send mixed signals to employees, customers, and the public. It raises important questions about transparency and consistency in Amazon’s DEI communications. This situation underscores the need for companies to align their internal strategies with their public messaging to maintain credibility and trust.
Commitment Amid Changing Industry Trends
Amazon, the prominent e-commerce behemoth, is experiencing a pivotal transformation in its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This shift was underscored in a recent internal memo revealing the company’s strategy. Amazon seeks to transition from fragmented and independent employee resource groups to more cohesive programs that promote a genuinely inclusive culture. Spearheading this new approach is Candi Castleberry, the Vice President of Inclusive Experiences and Technology. Her strategy emphasizes implementing programs with proven effectiveness in addressing specific disparities within the company. Notably, the objective is to eventually dissolve these programs once the identified disparities are resolved, marking a significant evolution in Amazon’s DEI integration within its operations. This change underscores Amazon’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and supported, striving for continuous improvement and equity across all levels of the organization.