A Message from the President

As talent development professionals, our core mission is to cultivate a safe and dynamic environment where individuals from all walks of life can thrive, regardless of their background, identity, or experiences. While we may not have all of the answers, we understand the need and impact of this work — not just as a concept or core value, but as an essential driver of innovation, growth, and excellence in the workplace. At ATD NYC, we proudly celebrate and welcome people from all backgrounds, embracing the rich diversity that makes each person unique. We invite everyone to join us in learning, growing, and thriving together.

We recognize the ongoing political shifts, and we respect the evolving discourse on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Many who have different opinions or may not fully understand pedagogical or practical experience conflate "flourishing" with "fairness" in their attempt to achieve greatness. Regardless of the agendas at play, the makeup of our society and workforce will not change with the stroke of a pen. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the values that have long made our community a haven for curiosity, learning, and exploration—and, by extension, the workplace—stronger, more resilient, and more innovative. We firmly believe that fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued is integral to the development of talent at every level, across all industries.

The essence of this work is about fostering environments where people are safe to bring their perspectives, experiences, and ideas in pursuit of shared accomplishments. Decades of irrefutably overwhelming research reinforce that organizations and communities of all kinds only benefit from this approach -- neither political pendulums nor noise can erase facts and collective progress.

As talent development professionals representing the tapestry of our society, we're tasked with simultaneously holding organizational objectives and employee well-being, safeguarding a capable workforce and a safe workplace for all. Amidst the uncertainty, balancing these priorities is more important than ever before.

We are dedicated to supporting our community in upholding these standards in their work and organizations, ensuring that each person has an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or identity. We are committed to creating inclusive and equitable spaces where individuals feel empowered to be themselves and experience a sense of belonging as they thrive, grow, and contribute meaningfully.