April is Celebrate Diversity Month. 

Two organizations that help businesses with diversity introduced this heritage and history observance in 2004. They aimed to create an observance celebrating and honoring the diversity that's fundamental to America.

The focus on diversity is sometimes combined with equity and inclusion, or DEI for short. Diversity is about recognizing and celebrating differences. Equity focuses on providing pathways to equal access. Inclusion focuses on making people feel accepted, valued, and empowered to be their full selves at work.

Diversity can include race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. It can also include disability, and other identities and experiences.

Tech company diversity often doesn't fully reflect our diverse world, and a lack of diversity can result in harm and unintended consequences. Diversity matters for issues like hiring decisions, leadership opportunities, innovation, and marketing strategies.

Keep reading for three ideas on how to help your organization celebrate and improve diversity.

1. Make time and space to talk with empathy

Communication is a foundational element of recognition and respect. That's especially important in our new normal. Now, much of life is