Without question, for those working in the diversity and inclusion space, 2020 and 2021 have been two incredibly transformative years that saw a global pandemic that brought (and continues to bring) challenges that have directly and indirectly impacted DEI strategies, increased momentum behind the Black Lives Matter movement, and a mounting accumulation of calls for organizations to commit to overcoming systemic barriers blocking DEI and the fight for comprehensive inclusion.

The work of DEI leaders has been catapulted into the spotlight as they have been placed under additional pressure to provide guidance to not only their own organizations but the business community at large. The work of DEI leaders has never been more valued and more important.

In this special section, the Los Angeles Times B2B Publishing team has selected, based on a collection of hundreds of nominated DEI professionals and experts, a list of many of the most prominent gamechangers and thought leaders in the space today.

The profiles of profess ionals alphabetically assorted here are in no way exhaustive and include just some of the DEI leaders whose work has inspired us, and we believe will inspire our readers as well.