Advancing Our Commitment: TSAE’s New DEIB Model and Position Statement

IN TODAY’S PROFESSIONAL landscape, organizations thrive not just by serving their members, but by building communities where individuals feel seen, respected, and valued. At the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE), we believe that true innovation and progress stem from environments that embrace diversity, center equity, promote inclusion, and foster belonging.
TSAE leadership saw the benefit of welcoming diverse thought, enough to write a DEI Position Statement in 2020. TSAE used this Statement as a guiding principle throughout those years. But, since a quality review of that Statement had not been conducted since that time, TSAE’s DEI Committee was recently tasked with reviewing the Statement to ensure it still speaks to TSAE’s values and mission.
Based on the work done by the DEI Committee, which was presented and approved by the TSAE Board of Directors in March 2025, TSAE is proud to introduce a new Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Model and Position Statement. This framework clarifies TSAE’s values, aligns goals with member needs, and sets the foundation for more intentional, meaningful DEIB initiatives that will shape TSAE’s future and that of the broader association community.
Why a New DEIB Model Now?
Our members represent a diverse range of experiences, roles, identities, and organizational types. As the association sector evolves, so too must the structures and values that support it. With increasing attention on equitable leadership, inclusive practices, and member engagement, TSAE recognized the importance of having a shared language and direction.
The DEIB model adopted by TSAE builds upon widely respected frameworks – including the visual model by DEI strategist, Krys Burnette – to help our members understand how the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging relate to one another and operate in concert. It also outlines practical, real-world applications TSAE is already pursuing, while suggesting future initiatives that will continue to move the needle.
Andrea Elizondo, CMP, CMM, CAE, Events Director with the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) and a member of the TSAE DEI Committee explained, “As we began our research, I quickly realized that building out this model would be far more challenging than I initially expected. I anticipated finding a wealth of information on existing DEIB models from other associations and corporations – but that wasn’t the case. My biggest takeaway was how surprisingly few resources exist to guide organizations in effectively integrating DEIB into their operations. That lack of guidance was particularly eye-opening, especially considering how prominent and politically charged DEIB conversations are in today’s climate.”
Breaking Down the Model: What Each Element Means for TSAE
Diversity: Who is at the Table?
- Definition: Diversity is the representation of individuals from different backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.
- TSAE Context: A more diverse TSAE enhances innovation by incorporating a broader range of lived experiences and insights. Diversity ensures we are drawing from the full talent and perspective spectrum of the association world.
Current Initiatives Include:
- A DEI Committee composed of a diverse cross-section of volunteers.
- Varied educational offerings curated for diverse audiences and led by speakers from different backgrounds.
- Ongoing identification of areas where TSAE’s programs or content could benefit from increased representation.
Future Initiatives Could Include:
- Intentional recruitment of authors, speakers, and facilitators from underrepresented groups.
- Increased outreach to attract a broader membership base.
- Development of a dashboard to track and report DEIB metrics.
Equity: Are the Rules Fair?
- Definition: Equity means fair access to opportunities, resources, and outcomes – recognizing that not everyone starts from the same place.
- TSAE Context: Advancing equity requires removing barriers that prevent full participation in TSAE programs and leadership. We aim to create an environment where all members, regardless of background, have what they need to succeed.

Current Initiatives Include:
- Inclusive recruitment strategies for leadership positions and volunteer roles.
- A curated set of resources with input from diverse contributors.
- Targeted networking opportunities that support underrepresented professionals.
Future Initiatives Could Include:
- Expansion of mentorship programs for emerging leaders from historically marginalized groups.
- Evaluation of internal policies to ensure equitable access and benefits.
- Review of the awards and recognition process to eliminate unintentional biases.
Inclusion: Are All Voices Heard?
- Definition: Inclusion is ensuring that all individuals feel their thoughts and contributions are respected and valued.
- TSAE Context: We believe that having diverse people in the room isn’t enough – those people must also feel empowered to speak and be heard. TSAE fosters inclusion by embedding respect and shared responsibility into our processes and programming.
Current Initiatives Include:
- Use of community agreements to guide meeting participation.
- Facilitated dialogue and proactive steps to address oppressive behaviors.
- Publication and social platforms that showcase a range of perspectives.
Future Initiatives Could Include:
- Leadership development opportunities focused on inclusive practices.
- Intentional representation in board and committee appointments.
- Integration of inclusive design in all TSAE programs and event planning.
Belonging: Do People Feel They Truly Fit?
- Definition: Belonging is the feeling of being an integral and accepted part of a community.
- TSAE Context: Belonging represents the emotional outcome of DEIB work – when members feel connected, seen, and celebrated. It’s about going beyond representation to make sure individuals are fully woven into the fabric of TSAE.
Current Initiatives Include:
- Encouraging member engagement through volunteer roles that align with personal interests and expertise.
- Showcasing member milestones and accomplishments across TSAE platforms.
- Offering new member meetups and welcoming spaces at events.
Future Initiatives Could Include:
- A structured new member onboarding and integration strategy.
- Regional gatherings and community circles to deepen local connections.
- A storytelling campaign to highlight personal journeys and amplify unheard voices.
The Power of Intersections
One of the strengths of this model is that it not only defines each concept individually – it also helps us understand what happens when they are out of balance.
For example:
- Inclusion + Equity without Diversity leads to a lack of innovation due to homogeneity.
- Inclusion + Diversity without Equity results in performative efforts without real influence or power redistribution.
- Equity + Diversity without Inclusion fosters assimilation rather than authenticity, which can lead to disengagement.
By identifying these dynamics, TSAE is better equipped to assess where we are, recognize potential pitfalls, and make informed choices about where to focus our energy.
A Unified Statement of Commitment
To accompany the model, TSAE has also introduced a new position statement that serves as a guiding beacon for all DEIB efforts. It reads:
“TSAE believes that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are essential, interconnected pillars that create a thriving and inclusive organizational culture. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member feels valued, included, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential. By embracing diverse perspectives, equitable opportunities, and inclusive practices, TSAE drives retention, engagement, and innovation. We strive to be a resource and model for our members and their organizations. By advancing meaningful DEIB initiatives where all members feel integral to our shared success, we strengthen our community and reinforce that we are Better Together!”
This is more than a statement – it’s a declaration of purpose, signaling that DEIB is not a side project or isolated effort, but a core part of how TSAE operates and leads.
How You Can Engage
TSAE’s DEIB work is intended to be collaborative and participatory. Members are encouraged to:
- Join the DEI Committee or other volunteer groups that support this work.
- Offer feedback or share stories that illuminate barriers or breakthroughs.
- Apply the model in your own organization to foster inclusive practices.
- Help identify speakers, authors, or member stories that need a spotlight.
Every action, large or small, helps build the kind of association community we all want to be part of.
Looking Ahead
Aaron Woloweic, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, Founder & President with Event Garde and the current Chair of the TSAE DEI Committee said, “Creating spaces where every member feels seen, respected, and empowered isn’t just aspirational – it’s essential to our shared success. At a time when conversations about DEIB face growing resistance here in Texas and beyond, TSAE’s commitment to this work is more important than ever. This new DEIB model reflects our belief that all voices matter and that belonging is not left to chance. I’m proud of the thoughtful work that’s gone into this effort, and I believe it offers a meaningful framework for TSAE members to explore these conversations within their own organizations. Together, we can create environments where everyone feels valued, included, and equipped to thrive.”
DEIB is a journey, not a destination. TSAE is committed to continually evaluating our progress, learning from our members, and expanding opportunities to ensure that everyone feels they belong. This model gives us the structure and language to move forward intentionally.
By building on our strengths, confronting our gaps, and engaging in this work together, TSAE will not only become more inclusive – we will become more impactful, more innovative, and more connected.
We are proud of this new chapter and excited to share it with you. Because we know: we are Better Together.
