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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice


Welcome to our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Webpage – a digital platform dedicated to promoting understanding, equity, and social justice within our organization and beyond.

The purpose of this page is to serve as a central hub for HR Professionals seeking to deepen their understanding, commitment, and engagement with diversity, equity, and inclusion for their organizations. Through curated resources, tools, and insights, we aim to facilitate meaningful dialogue, promote learning, and inspire action towards creating equitable and inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Our goal is to empower individuals and organizations to actively contribute to building a more just and equitable workplace.


Diversity Resource Guide

The Rhode Island SHRM Diversity Resource Guide was created to support HR professionals, business leaders, community organizations, and advocates committed to building more inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplaces across Rhode Island.

This living resource brings together organizations, programs, educational resources, workforce initiatives, advocacy groups, and community partners that support diverse communities and strengthen opportunities for belonging in the workplace and beyond.

We recognize that this work continues to evolve, and this guide is intended to grow alongside our community. We welcome feedback, additions, and recommendations to help ensure this resource remains meaningful, relevant, and impactful for all.

 Click Here to Download Today! 




Our hearts are with the Brown University community during this difficult time.

We stand in solidarity with the students, faculty, staff, families, and all those impacted, and we hold space for grief, healing, and compassion across our Rhode Island community.

We’ve shared a message with our members that also includes local and national support resources for those who may need them.

Download the Full letter > 


Resources | Addiction and Mental Health | Help for Addiction

Addiction Resources

  • Circles and Silence
    Nominated for five Emmy Awards, Circles and Silence is a remarkable sixteen minute film narrated by a diverse group of young adults whose personal true-life stories are mirror images of topics that impact every person who watches the film: Opioids. Addiction. Treatment. Recovery. Life.

  • Addiction Resources 
    Many resources are available for those coping with substance abuse disorder, and for those who love and support them. Please click the link above. Help is on the way.



Transgender Resources

  • LGBTQIA Health Education Center
    The national LGBTQIA+ health education center provides educational programs, resources, and consultation to health care organizations with the goal of optimizing quality, cost-effective health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and all sexual and gender minority, (LGBTQIA+) people.

  • Corporate Equality Index 2023-2024 
    Rating Workplaces on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Equality.




Anti-Racism Resource Guide

Provided by RI SHRM's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice (DEIJ) Communitee, the RI SHRM DEI Anti-Racism Guide is a comprehensive resource designed to confront and combat systemic racism head-on. In today's world, the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more crucial than ever. This guide serves as a tool to educate, empower, and inspire individuals and organizations to actively dismantle racist structures and foster a culture of equality and belonging.

Download a copy of the Anti-Racism Resource Guide now!

(Coming soon!)



Together Forward at Work

Equity begins with Empathy

And empathy begins with a conversation. In an effort to assist with those conversations, SHRM launched Together Forward @Work, an initiative designed to initiate open dialogue about racial inequity in the workplace. Now we’re taking the next step by providing tangible tools to construct equitable hiring practices and empathetic cultures—which is fundamental to the development of truly inclusive workplaces. Which is exactly what we need. Now more than ever.

Learn more >





SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture Specialty Credential

Every workplace has a culture, and whether it’s intentionally designed or habitually overlooked is a critical differentiator in the success of an organization. Diverse, inclusive, flexible and engaging workplaces are where people thrive. The Inclusive Workplace Culture Specialty Credential gives HR professionals the strategies and tools needed to successfully shift organizational culture. In this program, participants will learn how to maximize potential through fostering a positive work environment rooted in inclusivity and belonging, ultimately unlocking the organizational gains of a diverse and dedicated workforce. 


LEARN MORE >






Paola Gonzalez
RI SHRM's Diversity & Inclusion Director

Paola Gonzalez is the Director of Human Resources at Dale Medical Products, Inc., where she has served for nearly six years. A passionate HR leader and diversity advocate, Paola is committed to creating inclusive workplace cultures where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. As a Latina HR leader and working mother, she brings a people-first approach to fostering environments rooted in belonging, collaboration, and growth.

With more than 18 years of HR leadership experience across pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and medical products, Paola has partnered with organizations through periods of growth, organizational change, and employee engagement initiatives. Her professional background includes leadership roles with PepsiCo and Denison Pharmaceuticals, where she developed a leadership style grounded in empathy, authenticity, and accountability.

As RI SHRM’s Diversity & Inclusion Director, Paola is dedicated to advancing meaningful conversations, educational opportunities, and community engagement that support more inclusive workplaces across Rhode Island. She believes inclusive leadership starts with listening, creating space for every voice to be heard, and empowering individuals to bring their authentic selves to work.

Contact Paola to learn more about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging initiatives and opportunities to get involved with the RI SHRM DEI Committee. The committee welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and professions who are passionate about fostering inclusion and belonging in our communities. Email Paola at ri.shrm.diversity@gmail.com. 


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