The recent move by Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, stirred controversy by dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) programs in his company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. These series of decisions signal a conservative shift, in line with the so-called anti-woke movement, and raise questions about the role of corporations in contemporary society. However, in a striking contrast, Grupo MM, one of the most recognized corporate events companies in Brazil, reinforces that diversity is a strategic pillar for growth and innovation.
The Meta Breakdown: Focus on Business, Not Transformation
In less than two weeks, Meta eliminated fact-checking on its platforms, announced a $1 million donation to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, and ended all DE&I programs. The official communication came through an internal memo, revealed by Axios and Business Insider, in which VP of HR, Janelle Gale, stated that diversity goals would also be abandoned.
These decisions, combined with the promotion of executives aligned with the Republican Party, indicate that Meta is recalibrating its participation in public discourse, returning to a traditional focus on financial results, even if it means foregoing inclusive social policies.
Grupo MM: Diversity as a Strategic Pillar
While Meta moves towards conservatism, Grupo MM reinforces its position as a leader in diversity and inclusion. Founded by Meire Medeiros in the 1990s, Grupo MM is an example of how valuing diversity can yield tangible results.
Currently, 60% of the company’s more than 200 employees, affectionately called ‘Chameleons,’ are women in strategic positions. This scenario reflects an organizational culture that values equity as a driving force for innovation and sustainable growth.
‘While some companies are regressing, we believe that diversity is not just a social responsibility issue, but a competitive advantage that makes us more creative, innovative, and connected to market demands,’ says Ana Carolina Medeiros, Director of New Business at Grupo MM.
Contrast Between Two Models
The repositioning of Meta marks a departure from social initiatives that have been considered essential for global corporations for years. In contrast, Grupo MM stands out as a model of inclusion and growth. In 2024 alone, the company saw a 47% increase in revenue, driven by practices aligned with ESG guidelines and female leadership in a competitive market.
‘Promoting inclusion goes beyond filling positions. It’s about creating a work environment that inspires, values, and recognizes female excellence in every project,’ points out Ana Carolina.
Reflections for the Future
The contrast between Meta’s actions and Grupo MM’s stance reflects a broader debate about the role of companies in society. On one side, corporations prioritizing immediate financial results; on the other, organizations seeing diversity as a strategic asset.
The example of Grupo MM reinforces that inclusion is not just a social commitment, but an intelligent strategy to drive innovation and ensure relevance in the market.
As Ana Carolina Medeiros concluded: “We are writing a future where diversity is not seen as an obstacle, but as the key to a more innovative and inclusive world”.
