Diallo Smith, President and COO of Life Remodeled
In a rapidly changing world, recent national policy decisions have sparked confusion, anger and debate surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Workplaces and public institutions are now reconsidering the significance of prioritizing equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, background or circumstance.
These policy decisions, for many, have created a thick fog of confusion where people are searching for answers. Some younger people ask, “What does this mean for my future?” while others who are older ask, “Do the efforts and sacrifices of the past account for nothing now? “ But even in this fog, a guiding light is still visible and bright. I see this light in our communities in the lives of people who dream big and work hard to live in a society where they can have access to the lives they deserve, free of the vestiges of exclusion.
As someone who was born, raised and lives in Detroit, I have a unique lens through which I understand the importance of how public policy can affect local neighborhoods. This is why I know that despite the uncertainties resulting from recent actions by leaders in Washington, D.C., our responsibility and mission at Life Remodeled remains clear ‒ to serve diverse communities in Detroit by providing the opportunities they need to thrive regardless of the attack on progress they may be experiencing. For the past 15 years, Life Remodeled has prioritized community initiatives founded on a fundamental belief, “Detroiters have all the talent they need, but many don’t have access to the opportunities they deserve.” We support a diverse, equitable, and inclusive approach; because that approach inextricably supports community thriving. Now, more than ever, we recognize the vital role these principles play in cultivating growth and prosperity within our communities. As an organization, the fundamental values of DEI are deeply intertwined in our culture, guiding our actions and commitments to both our team and the communities we support.
We uphold unwavering standards for our dedication to creating a culture of belonging where each individual feels valued and respected. We have proudly built a community-focused leadership team that reflects the individuals we serve to allow anyone that engages with us, to feel seen and understood.
Despite efforts to suppress DEI initiatives and revert to a place our country has tirelessly fought to unrecognize, the spirit of DEI lives on and serves as a critical aspect in shaping a fair and representative world. If we allow it, that spirit can be a source of the Detroit region’s collective strength instead of being a driving wedge that weakens us. On the Detroit City Flag, there is an important Latin phrase, “Speramus Meliora” which means “We hope for better things.” Those “better things” are the things every family, community, and city hopes for. Better and increased access to quality economic, educational, and health opportunities, to name a few. Every attempt we make to limit access to opportunities only restricts our perspectives from the complexities of the world we live in. True progress comes from embracing change and ensuring that the mistakes of the past do not define our future. Join us in not only supporting the continued implementation of DEI values throughout our schools, workplaces, and communities but also in the commitment to further strengthen DEI programs so that they truly reflect and represent the population of our city and country. We can make a difference…together with you.
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