WE Are stronger together.

The National Association of Enrolled Agents is committed to…

Cultivating a dynamic, diverse and collaborative community of sought-after tax professionals who make a difference in the lives of taxpayers. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our membership, senior leaders, business partners and staff support the growth and evolution required to strengthen our communities and thrive as an association.

We remain committed to growing the enrolled agent profession and to strengthening the pipeline to this career path by increasing diversity within the profession, especially by creating a welcoming community that supports greater access for historically marginalized tax professionals. The adaptability and sustainability of NAEA and awareness of the credential will support broadening the pool of practicing enrolled agents which can be achieved through these efforts.

“We have no hope of solving our problems without harnessing the diversity, the energy, and the creativity of all our people.”

Roger Wilkins

What is Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)?

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) encompasses the symbiotic relationship, philosophy and culture of acknowledging, embracing, supporting, and accepting those of all racial, sexual, gender, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, among other differentiators.

Planning With Intention

We are developing resources for your professional awareness for members and resources to help apply DEI efforts to your practice.

Leadership Reflection

Creating a diverse leadership through recruitment and review of volunteer efforts.

Welcoming Community

DEI Group to welcome to Member Webboard

Five Reasons Why DEI Initiatives are Important to NAEA Membership

Diverse Perspectives and Innovation: DEI initiatives bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. For membership-based organizations like NAEA, this diversity fosters innovation by encouraging different viewpoints, ideas, and approaches. It leads to more creative problem-solving and the development of initiatives that resonate with a broad membership base. 

Increased Membership Engagement and Satisfaction: Members are more likely to engage actively and feel satisfied when they perceive that the organization values and respects their diversity. DEI initiatives create an inclusive environment where members from various backgrounds feel heard and represented and have equal access to educational and community building opportunities. This inclusivity contributes to higher levels of member satisfaction and a sense of belonging. 

Broader Appeal and Market Reach: By embracing diversity, NAEA can appeal to a broader audience. DEI initiatives demonstrate an organization’s commitment to serving a diverse membership base, making it more attractive to individuals from different demographic backgrounds. This, in turn, can lead to increased membership growth and a broader market reach. Prioritizing accessibility alongside these efforts enables NAEA to engage members who would not otherwise have access to community and educational opportunities. 

Legal and Ethical Compliance: Implementing DEI initiatives helps membership-based groups comply with legal and ethical standards related to discrimination and fairness. It reduces the risk of legal challenges and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to treating all members fairly and equitably. 

Enhanced Reputation and Brand Image: Membership-based groups that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion build a positive reputation and brand image. Members, as well as external stakeholders, are more likely to support and align themselves with organizations that are seen as socially responsible and committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. This positive reputation can lead to increased credibility and support from both existing and potential members. 

How To Foster True Diversity & Inclusion at Work

What is Bias?

Bias is a type of prejudice or distortion which affects many aspects of life, from the types of jobs available to which politicians get elected. The term “bias” refers to an inclination of thought or judgment towards a certain position. It can be conscious or unconscious and often manifests itself as an unfounded opinion, leading people to adhere to certain views without considering evidence or alternative perspectives.

What is DEI?

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) refer to the practices and initiatives that aim to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, where individuals from different backgrounds and experiences are treated with respect and fairness. DEI initiatives can include efforts to increase representation of underrepresented groups, address discrimination and bias, and create a sense of belonging for everyone.

The Dirt on My Lens

I go through life with a few simple principles to guide me. Those principles made this a challenging piece because I wanted to take great care to be understood without compromising my belief system or minimizing my experiences or that of others. The first of those principles that made this challenging is, “what is the objective?”