The recent move by Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, sparked controversy by dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) programs at his company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This series of decisions signals a conservative shift, in line with the so-called anti-woke movement, and raises questions about the role of corporations in contemporary society. However, in stark contrast, Grupo MM, one of Brazil's most renowned corporate events companies, reinforces that diversity is a strategic pillar for growth and innovation.
Dismantling the Goal: Focus on Business, Not Transformation
In less than two weeks, Meta eliminated fact-checking from its platforms, announced a $1 million donation to Donald Trump's inaugural fund, and ended all DE&I programs. The official announcement came via an internal memo, revealed by Axios and Business Insider, in which Vice President of HR Janelle Gale stated that representation 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 the public debate, returning to a traditional vision of focusing on financial results, even if this means giving up inclusive social policies.
MM Group: Diversity as a Strategic Pillar
While Meta moves toward 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 generate concrete results.
Currently, 60% of the company's more than 200 employees, affectionately known as "Chammaleões," are women in strategic positions. This reflects an organizational culture that believes in equality as a driver of innovation and sustainable growth.
"While some companies are backtracking, we believe that diversity is not just a matter of social responsibility, 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
Meta's repositioning marks a shift away from social initiatives that, for years, were considered essential for global corporations. In contrast, the MM Group has established itself as a model of inclusion and growth. In 2024 alone, the company recorded a 47% increase in revenue, driven by practices aligned with ESG guidelines and female protagonism 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," says Ana Carolina.
Reflections for the Future
The contrast between Meta's actions and MM Group's positioning reflects a broader debate about the role of companies in society. On the one hand, corporations that prioritize immediate financial results; on the other, organizations that understand diversity as a strategic asset.
The MM Group's example reinforces that inclusion is not just a social commitment, but a smart strategy to drive innovation and ensure market relevance.
As Ana Carolina Medeiros concludes: “We are writing a future in which diversity is not seen as an obstacle, but as the key to a more innovative and inclusive world.”
