A pioneering warrior for diversity and inclusion shows how to make game-changing moves that will benefit you and your organization alikeWhen Nellie Borrero joined Accenture, bigotry and bias went unnoticed and unchecked; it was simply the workplace norm. Now, 35+ years later, this first-generation Latina shares how she led diversity strategy and developed award-winning inclusion and diversity programs that transformed Accenture into the #1 ranked employer for inclusion, diversity, and equity.In Unwavering, Borrero draws on her experiences with remarkable candor and courage to inspire you to think bigger, know your value, and show up with it everywhere, every day. She reveals how to remove barriers and claim space not just for yourself but for others as well. You'll become aware of:* Biases that negatively impact professionals of color* Recognizing that belonging and uniqueness don't have to be at odds* Standing up and standing out: taking your career from the margins to center stage* What to do when mentoring fails--and the power of embracing and accepting help* Staying true to yourself when your values collide with reality* Showing up strategically, intentionally asserting yourself, and competingA manifesto for understanding and action, Unwavering provides a proven framework for how to create transformational relationships that make diversity and inclusion an integral part of your success and your company's competitive advantage.

Foreword xvIntroduction The Power of One Question 1My Early Days 3Recognizing the Limits to Reaching My Full Potential 7Answering the Uncomfortable Question 12Chapter 1 The Complexities of Finding Belonging 17Cultural Collisions 20Belonging 23Prejudice and Racism in the Workplace 25Defining Moments 31Speak Up for Yourself 33Waiting for Permission 37What It's Like to Experience Belonging 40Questions for Consideration 41Chapter 2 The Constant Work Against Marginalization 43Marginalization in Action 46Comfort Zone for Whom? 51The Marginalization Effect 53Taking Back Your Power 54The Senior Level Is Not a Shield 57Questions for Consideration 60Chapter 3 Understand Your Power; Claim Your Worth 61Control the Narrative 66Choose Yourself 75Bet on Your Value 77Boosting Your Power 81Know Your Worth 84Questions for Consideration 86Chapter 4 Choosing to Lead with an Inclusive Mindset 87Access Granted, But Not Ready 91Mentoring: An Investment and a Reward 95Become the Best Ally You Can Be 99A Culture of Belonging 110Questions for Consideration 110Chapter 5 The Push-Pull of Personal and Professional Demands 111My New, Negatively Perceived Label:Divorced, Single Working Mom 114Tapping into the Village 117Beautiful and Challenging Surprises 119Choices 127Adapt to the Unplanned 130Integrate Mindfully 133Questions for Consideration 134Chapter 6 Asserting Yourself Through Your Brand 135My Brand of Courage 137Integrating Your Brand with Your Power 139Different Setting, Same Brand 142Setting Boundaries by Recognizing Your Brand 144Bring Everyone In, Lift Everyone Up 147Questions for Consideration 149Chapter 7 Solving for Self and Clients: Assessing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 151The Four Pillars of the DE&I Maturity Framework 157The Maturity Framework in Action 161We Can't Afford "Diversity Fatigue" 163Voices Amplified for Social Justice and Human Rights 167Building a More Inclusive Environment One Relationship at a Time 171Questions for Consideration 172Chapter 8 Network Like It's Your Own Dance Floor 173Relationship Building 179Opportunity Squandered 182Help Me Understand 186The Power of Elevating External Organizational Relationships 188Questions for Consideration 190Chapter 9 I Am Where I Earned to Be 191Own It! 194Now What? 199Compete Is Not a Dirty Word 202Are You Really Empowered? 206Acknowledgments 211About the Author 215Index 221