The Secretary of the Air Force Diversity and Inclusion office leadership recently participated in the Gartner ReimagineHR Conference Oct. 23 to 25 in Orlando.

SAF/DI’s leadership attendance at the conference underscores the team’s dedication to staying at the forefront of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility best practices, innovation and technology trends.

The three-day conference provided attendees the opportunity to hear keynote speakers and attend breakout sessions pertaining to SAF/DI’s ongoing commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives within the Department of the Air Force.

Marianne Malizia, SAF/DI director, highlighted the importance of the conference as a catalyst for advancing the DAF’s DEIA goals, and she emphasized the critical role diversity and inclusion play in maintaining the world’s best Air Force and Space Force.

“Our mission requires the DAF to be representative of the diverse nation we serve,” she said. “To address complex national security challenges, we must continue to build strong teams where all employees feel valued by the DAF. Our diversity distinguishes our Force and provides us with unique advantages on today’s battlefield and the battlefield of the future.”

Dr. Andrew Duffield, SAF/DI Strategy, Policy and Governance Division program manager, echoed the sentiment.

“Inclusive teams create environments where teammates not only take more responsibility and contribute exponentially, but they dare to think more creatively and are enabled to apply moral courage to lead decisively,” he said. “We are actively working toward an environment where all members feel valued, included and have unhindered opportunities for personal and professional growth, contributing to the DAF’s mission and responsibility to the nation.”

According to Maliza, SAF/DI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is rooted in the DAF DEIA Strategic Plan, which emphasizes the importance of leveraging diversity in recruiting and retaining the best talent.

“The DAF’s Strategic Plan recognizes the combination of backgrounds, attributes and cultures in our Total Force that are consistent with our values and reflective of the nation we serve,” she said. “We strive daily to ensure equal opportunity for everyone. After all, equal opportunity is the right of every Airman and Guardian, military or civilian, which serves to bolsters innovation, operational excellence and readiness.”

For more information about SAF/DI and the Department of the Air Force’s DEIA initiatives, please visit here.