Disney goes all in on 'belonging' with a new employee event series following its DEI shake-up

Disney revamped its DEI messaging earlier this year and is launching "Global Belonging Week."Gary Hershorn/Getty ImagesDisney is kicking off its inaugural "Global Belonging Week" on Monday.The event itinerary references "belonging" and "inclusion" without referencing "diversity," "equity," or the phrase "DEI."It fits with a broader trend of companies scaling back their DEI language.Disney is about to showcase its new approach to DEI with a week of events focused on "belonging."The Mouse House is having its first-ever "Global Belonging Week" for employees, which will run from October 20 to 24 and include a series of voluntary livestream talks "designed to empower and inspire," according to an email recently sent to employees.Starting Monday, Disney staffers can tune in to keynotes designed "to celebrate our rich culture, spark engagement, and empower each of us to do our best every day," according to the email, which was viewed by Business Insider.The week of events follows a broader shake-up Disney made to its DEI initiatives earlier this year, including shuttering "Reimagine Tomorrow," a digital hub launched in 2021 to share stories from underrepresented voices.Disney's "Global Belonging Week" itinerary references "belonging" and "inclusion" without mentioning "diversity," "equity," or the phrase "DEI," which has come under severe political scrutiny during President Donald Trump's second term.The word choice is a sign of the times, said Mita Mallick, a workplace strategist and the author of "Reimagine Inclusion." It fits into a broader trend of companies emphasizing words like "belonging" and "culture" that are seen as less political than the phrase "DEI," she said."Out of all the words, 'diversity' and 'equity' are words that people are staying away from," Mallick said.Disney didn't respond to multiple requests for comment.Use of DEI language has fallenIn the early 2020s, it was fashionable for companies to announce and invest in DEI programs. Now, DEI efforts can be a political liability and even an obstacle for corporate mergers, as David Ellison found out when merging Skydance with Paramount.The use of DEI-related language is down 72% year-over-year in 2025, including a 98% drop in the phrase "DEI," according to a May report from Gravity Research, which analyzed 1,378 public documents from Fortune 100 companies from January 2023 and May 2025.Companies are using the phrase "DEI" less often, Gravity Research found.Gravity ResearchSimilar words and phrases, such as "belonging" and "diverse perspectives," were down 34% this year after rising 20% in 2024, according to Gravity Research. A separate study from The Conference Board published in August said that 53% of the S&P 100 had changed their DEI messaging in 2025."It's the reality of doing business," Mallick said.One Disney employee in the advertising division said they felt the company's DEI changes were "performative."Disney's events include the "art of belonging" in relation to hit movies like "Moana," set in Polynesia, and "Encanto," which takes place in Colombia.There's also an on-demand session titled: "Belong & Thrive: The Joy of Intersectionality, Allyship & Inclusion."Read the "Global Belonging Week" email to Disney employees below:You're Invited: Global Belonging WeekDetails for Disney's inaugural Global Belonging Week, October 20—24, 2025, are here! Join us for this employee-exclusive, virtual and in-person experience.Employees around the world are invited to join planned experiences focused on ways to increase your belonging and opportunities to thrive. We know that when employees feel a sense of belonging, they thrive, and so does the magic of Disney!This voluntary week of events is designed to celebrate our rich culture, spark engagement, and empower each of us to do our best every day. Throughout the week, you'll get:Insight from keynote speakers designed to empower and inspire youEngaging learning experiences that foster a deeper understanding of the core value of inclusion and the power of belongingOpportunities to network and create meaningful connections with colleagues, as well as volunteer opportunities with Disney VoluntEARSNo registration required. Visit the page below to learn about each event and to save them to your calendars.This is an employee-only event.And here's Disney's "Global Belonging Week" itinerary:Monday, October 20, 2025Opening Keynote and Kickoff1:00 PM — 2:00 PM PDT / 4:00 PM — 5:00 PM EDTArda Ocal: Host, ESPNJill Estorino: President & Managing Director, Disney Parks InternationalRita Ferro: President, Global Disney AdvertisingJoe Earley: President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney EntertainmentRenato D'Angelo: General Manager Brazil & Head of Marketing Out-of-Home LATAM for The Walt Disney CompanyTinisha Agramonte: SVP and Chief Opportunity & Inclusion Officer, The Walt Disney CompanySonia Coleman: Senior Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, The Walt Disney CompanyTuesday, October 21, 2025Belonging and Thriving: Journeys from Humble Beginnings to First Generation Corporate Professionals9:00 AM — 10:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM EDTTinisha Agramonte: Moderator, SVP and Chief Opportunity & Inclusion Officer, The Walt Disney CompanySonia Coleman: Senior Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, The Walt Disney CompanyRobert Thompson: Chief Operating Officer, Partners Federal Credit UnionArt of Belonging: Moana1:00 PM — 1:30 PM PDT / 4:00 PM — 4:30 PM EDTLivestream DetailsPlease return to this event page to view the live event.Wednesday, October 22, 2025Telling Stories That Resonate: The Global Impact of Lilo & Stitch9:00 AM — 10:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM EDTAnastasia Ali: Moderator, Vice President, Inclusive Marketing & Audience Growth, The Walt Disney CompanyMaddie Woods: Director, Digital Marketing, The Walt Disney StudiosMegan Denman: Director, Production, The Walt Disney StudiosThursday, October 23, 2025Cultivating a Culture of Belonging through Interpersonal Connections with Patrice Borders9:00 AM — 10:00 AM PDT / 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM EDTLivestream DetailsPlease return to this event page to view the live event.Art of Belonging: Encanto1:00 PM — 1:30 PM PDT / 4:00 PM — 4:30 PM EDTLivestream DetailsPlease return to this event page to view the live event.Friday, October 24, 2025Global Belonging Week Closing1:00 PM — 2:00 PM PDT / 4:00 PM — 5:00 PM EDTKeynote SpeakerJuju Chang: Co-anchor, ABC News' "Nightline"On DemandCross Cultural Connections: Where Belonging BeginsOn DemandPlease return to this during Global Belonging Week to watch the video.Belong & Thrive: The Joy of Intersectionality, Allyship & InclusionOn DemandPlease return to this page during Global Belonging Week to watch the video.Read the original article on Business Insider

Comments

Business News

Brexit impact on UK economy will be negative for foreseeable future, Bailey warns

Independent

Comments

Similar News

The Most Important Media Deals in Q3 2025: Disney, Paramount, Grok, YouTube

I took my 50-year-old best friend to Disney. He was skeptical, but it was actually a great guys' trip for men our age.

Disney’s Once-Unshakable Animation Empire Is Wobbling

When Will Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ Docuseries And ‘Final Show’ Film Be Released On Disney+?

Taylor Swift Announces ‘The End Of An Era’ Documentary Release Date On Disney+

Taylor Swift ‘Eras Tour’ Documentary, New Concert Film Head To Disney+ In December: What We Know

When Will ‘Tron: Ares’ Be Streaming? Here’s The Disney+ And Digital Release Timeline

Why Disney superfans say higher park prices are good

Disney salaries revealed: How much analysts, engineers, and more earn in 2025

UEFA Targets Netflix And Disney In New Champions League Rights Deal

Jimmy Kimmel shouts out Disney's Dana Walden over his suspension ordeal

Disney hikes theme park ticket prices across the board — as passes double to over $200 in past decade

Children's fantasy novelist Katherine Rundell secures multi-film deal with Disney

‘Dancing With The Stars’ Disney Night Shocker—Which Talented Contestant Was Sent Home?

The Disney Advantage: How Women Leaders Are Transforming Women’s Sport Visibility And Growth

What Are The Disney Night ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Songs And Dances?

The Disney magic was different on my last trip, but my family still had a great time

The Disney Resort That's Getting Its Own Tram Network

Disney succession race to replace CEO Bob Iger now down to two final candidates: report

Downtown Disney Lego Store workers tout a union campaign

Business News

Brexit impact on UK economy will be negative for foreseeable future, Bailey warns

2025 F1 United States Grand Prix Sprint Results: Verstappen Wins, McLaren Suffers Double Disaster

AEW WrestleDream 2025 Match Card, Start Time, Odds And Where To Stream

Want To Build Food Resilience? Start By Making Jam

Anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ Rallies Begin In Thousands Of U.S. Cities (Photos)

I love having an identical twin. It's such a privilege.

Brexit impact on UK economy ‘negative for foreseeable future,’ Bailey says

What To Watch This Weekend: New Shows And Movies To Stream On Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV And More

NYT Connections Today: Hints And Answers For Sunday, October 19 (#861)

How James Bond Can Be Reinvigorated By Amazon MGM

Formula 1 Standings 2025: Which Drivers Have The Best Shot At The Title?

Will There Be ‘The Diplomat’ Season 4? How Season 3’s Twist Ending Sets It Up

The Snobs’ Attack On Gold Is Failing, Thanks To Bitcoin

Asked About ‘Boots,’ The Pentagon Cites Netflix ‘Woke Garbage’

What Happened To Ajike Owens? The Disturbing True Story Behind ‘The Perfect Neighbor’

Paramount Skydance to cut 2,000 jobs starting final week of October: report

Lithium Battery Fire Aboard Air China Flight Forces Emergency Landing

Developing Rosebank oil field ‘pure climate vandalism’, Scottish Green insists

Developing Rosebank oil field ‘pure climate vandalism’, Scottish Green insists

Why ‘The Diplomat’ Should Be The Model For All Netflix Shows

Mega Millions Jackpot Rises To $650 Million—Here’s How Much The Winner Could Take Home After Taxes

‘This new £7 glow-boosting skin tint instantly makes me look less tired’

The most iconic food in every state

I hadn't seen my sister for 2 years. We met in Liechtenstein to reconnect.

My stay at a luxury villa in Orlando was a wildly good value. I had a private pool and easy access to Disney World.

Regan Smith Takes Down American Record At Swimming World Cup

NFL 2025 Week 7 Fantasy Football Top DFS Single Entry And GPP Stacks

Justin Bieber Charts Another Pop Radio No. 1 — Which Superstars Does He Tie?

Sabrina Carpenter Scores New Top 10 Hits — And She Had Help From The World’s Biggest Star

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Is Catching Up To Rosé’s Historic Radio Success

Chris Jericho Could Be Next Marquee AEW Star To Leave For WWE

Danny Garcia Vs. Daniel Gonzalez: Odds, Records, Prediction

'I've cleaned my floors three times this week after buying Shark steam mop'

DWP officials to be given power to view claimants' bank details under new law

Molly-Mae Hague's 'stunning' Tom Ford perfume is down to £5 in money-saving deal

Amazon cuts 33% off a dehumidifier recommended for 'battling condensation and damp'

Martin Lewis advice could lead to free £400 'before Christmas'

This hot chocolate advent calendar saves you £2 a day on fancy takeaway drinks

All employees urged to check 3 vital details on their payslips

'VIP airport lounge staff gave us half price - here's how to do it'

The best advice I ever got about work-life balance came from a past boyfriend's mom. It's shaped my life for 2 decades.

I visited a 'haunted' 18th-century mansion in New York City and saw things I couldn't fully explain

7 celebrities who competed at Miss USA, including Olivia Culpo and Halle Berry

Opinion: Susan Stamberg gave NPR its voice

Ofcom orders BBC to air on TV finding that Gaza film broke broadcasting rules

What The Outcome Of Trump’s Meeting With Zelensky Means For Putin

Taylor Swift Passes Ariana Grande With Her New Chart-Topping Smash

$15 Billion Bitcoin Seizure Exposes Challenges For US Crypto Reserve Strategy

From Stay-At-Home Mom To Comedy Star, How Zarna Garg Turns Punchlines Into Profits

Hit Netflix Show Returns With Peak Worldwide Interest

Saturday, October 18. Russia’s War On Ukraine: News And Information From Ukraine

The Marvel Show Which Cost Just $30 Million To Make

Rasmus Hojlund’s Napoli Revival Is A Cautionary Tale For Man United

‘I’ve resisted buying a pricey heated airer by doing this clever free trick instead’

Every Nationwide branch that's staying open until at least 2028

Martin Lewis's superb radiator hack costs less than £10 but could save tonnes on heating bills

'I was love-bombed by a Somalia doctor on Facebook - then forced into sick blood oath'