Support Us Button Widget

Building a more inclusive community with Triangle DEI Alliance

This group is driving important discussions in Wake County.

RAL-TriangleDEI-April23

Last year’s DEI Conference attracted around 1,300 people.

Photo by Rick Crank provided by Raleigh Chamber

The Triangle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Alliance was formed by the Raleigh Chamber in 2019 to kick-start discussions in our community about what it means to be a part of vulnerable populations and how to cultivate more inclusive environments.

The group, consisting of local government and business leaders, creates programming and events designed to support the implementation of inclusive strategies for underrepresented business communities.

“After 2020, we decided that a statement on systemic racism was not enough,” Torri Staton, Director of Equitable Economic Development, told RALtoday. “So we formulated A Better Wake initiative, a collection of municipalities in the area that have decided to have county-wide conversations on what systemic racism is and how it affects Wake County.”

The group sparked a partnership with the Research Triangle Institute to collect data on racial disparity in the area. In February 2022, Triangle DEI debuted A Blueprint for Dismantling Systemic Racism, based on focus groups and raw data from RTI.

The blueprint focuses on four main topics: criminal justice, economic mobility, education equality, and health equality, and is made up of more than 40 goals and 150 action items.

“If we want to dismantle the system, we have to slowly change it one by one, one action by one action, one thought by one thought,” Torri said.

    Here’s how you can help spark powerful discussions and change:

    Browse all programs and upcoming events.

    More from RALtoday
    Skip the pumpkin patch and hire these local businesses to come and spruce up your landscaping with a seasonal touch.
    The bread type is reaching new heights in popularity, and we’re here to help you find the best loaves in RAL, or start making your own.
    Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
    It’s time to party. With over a quarter million pounds of trash collected, thousands of volunteers, and five years of community and impact, The Great Raleigh Cleanup is hosting a birthday bash.
    Managing Editor Cat and Newsletter Editor Allie completed the Spring 2025 Raleigh Neighborhood College cohort — bookmark this to sign up for the next one, running March through May.
    The City of Raleigh is gearing up for the holiday season, and tickets will go on sale soon for Holiday Express, one of the most in-demand events of the year. Here’s how to get yours.
    Raleigh has plenty of pickleball courts to show off your stuff — keep reading to learn about the sport and where to swing it in the City of Oaks.
    Make your voice heard, nominate your favorite local biz and they could win RALtoday’s Best Competition.
    The downtown boutique hotel has joined four other destinations in the Raleigh area to be awarded this distinction from MICHELIN Guide experts.
    Inspired by “Romeo & Juliet” and Italian films, this new cocktail club at The Exchange comes from the same mind Watts & Ward and Peregrine.