Intellectual Diversity

Many organizations have mission statements dedicated to diversity - - yet, actually defining and measuring diversity typically produces a fragmented and hazy central message with an unclear agenda. Diversity discussions have historically been limited to ethnic and racial diversity. While these two aspects are important, often diversity is boiled down to public relation stunts involving people of different complexions taking a picture together.

Engineering should have a need and requirement to push the boundaries of the current diversity definition and engage the various professions in a larger conversation about the effective implementation of a refined diversity strategy.

Engineering fundamentally needs to embrace a broader spectrum that is often overlooked in the context of diversity - - intellectual diversity. Innovation comes about when people with different perspectives and backgrounds come together and contribute to a larger discussion about a problem facing humanity. Development of a trans-disciplinary forum throughout the engineering professions would be a bold step toward a more diverse, complete and innovative future.