The recent move by Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, sparked controversy by dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) programs in 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 a striking contrast, Grupo MM, one of the most recognized corporate event companies in Brazil, emphasizes that diversity is a strategic pillar for growth and innovation.
The Dismantling of the Goal: 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 HR Vice President Janelle Gale stated that the 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 the public debate, returning to a traditional vision of focusing on financial results, even if this implies giving up inclusive social policies.
MM Group: Diversity as a Strategic Pillar
While Meta moves towards conservatism, the MM Group 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 produce tangible results.
Currently, 60% of the more than 200 employees of the company, affectionately called "Cammaleões," are women occupying strategic positions. This scenario reflects an organizational culture that bets on equity as a driver for 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 distancing from social initiatives that, for years, were considered essential for global corporations. In return, the MM Group establishes 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 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,” says Ana Carolina.
Reflections for the Future
The contrast between Meta's actions and the positioning of Grupo MM reflects a broader debate about the role of companies in society. On one side, corporations that prioritize immediate financial results; on the other, organizations that see diversity as a strategic asset.
The example of the MM Group reinforces that inclusion is not just a social commitment, but a smart strategy to drive innovation and ensure relevance in the market.
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.”
