Deb Dagit:
Courage and Compassion in Action
The lives of Ms. Deborah Dagit and Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole intersected in June 2003 when Ms. Dagit walked into the board meeting of Merck Pharmaceutical Company to give a presentation as that company’s recently appointed Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). Dr Cole’s lived experience as a Black woman and the first Black woman to serve on Merck’s Board of Directors inspired her to make eye contact with Deborah Dagit, whose lived experiences were in another marginalized community, the community of disabled people.
As Deborah Dagit made her brilliant presentation, Dr. Cole sent spoken and unspoken signals to Ms. Dagit that she was impressing board members with her knowledge, emotional intelligence, and commitment to a collaborative style of working with her colleagues at Merck. That day in June 2003 was the beginning of an ongoing and very special professional collaboration and sisterly relationship between Deborah Dagit and Johnnetta Betsch Cole.
Deborah Dagit
“Resilience is not just about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward with greater strength and purpose.”
Deborah Dagit
Deborah Dagit’s journey began with daunting challenges that she met with the kind of fierce determination that has made her a widely respected advocate for diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion. Deb, as she prefers to be called, was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a brittle bones condition that resulted in her being just 4 feet tall, for as she refers to herself, a “Little Person.”
The 70 fractures and 45 surgeries that Deb Dagit has endured have given her a profound understanding of some of the many complex challenges that are faced by individuals with Osteogenesis Imperfecta. She also has many personal experiences with the stereotypes of who people with disabilities are and what they capable of doing. Deb Dagit’s personal experiences as a little person have fueled her passion to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
Deb Dagit’s professional path led her to Merck & Company, the American multinational pharmaceutical company where she served as Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for close to 12 years. In this and two prior CDO roles, she was instrumental in implementing global equity opportunity policies and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. As part of the recent expansion of MerckResearch Laboratories in MA, one of the conference rooms was named after Deb Dagit for her her work embodying diversity and inclusion. A plaque, photo and short biography of Ms. Dagit are also on display.
During her tenure at Merck, the company received numerous accolades, including recognition from Diversity Inc. and Working Mothers Magazines, Out and Equal, and the Department of Labor’s New Freedom Award for efforts in employing people with disabilities.
Deb Dagit’s life and work are moving testaments to the power of determination and resistance, and to what can result from dedicated activism. Today, while the focus of much of her work is in support of individuals with disabilities, she continues to also be a staunch advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ communities, communities of people of color and indeed all marginalized communities.
Ms. Dagit’s influence extended beyond corporate walls to national policies. Through her lobbying efforts in California and Washington, DC, she played a vital role in the passage of the American with Disabilities Act. Her testimony before the U. S. Senate Health, Education, and Labor and Pensions Committees in 2011 highlighted successful strategies for creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
With the aim of providing consulting services, that she once sought as a Chief Diversity Officer, in 2013, Ms. Dagit founded Deb Dagit Diversity, LLC. Today, despite the serious challenges faced by D. E. A. I. professionals and organizations, her firm continues to offer strategies and tools for organizations that press on with diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion efforts during these unusually challenging times.
With undaunted courage and persistence Deborah Dagit continues to fight for:
- Respect, self-agency, and opportunities for all people with disabilities
- DEAI professionals to have supportive communities that will allow them to do their important work
- Employers to recognize the value of disability inclusion and accessibility
- All marginalized people, in allyship with each other, to overcome assault on our individual and collective human rights
Lessons from Deb Dagit’s Life:
Her unbreakable spirit and belief in what is possible in spite of others’ low expectations says to each of us that we must persevere to do the work we feel called to do. A disability does not prevent people from being successful. “Our differences make us stronger; embracing them makes us unstoppable.”
Today, one in four adults in the United Stated has a disability, and they must continue to deal with ableism and stigma. “Inclusion is not a favor; it’s a fundamental human right.”
Action Steps You Can Take:
- Like Deborah Dagit, you can speak up and speak out in support of people with visible and non-apparent disabilities. Who in your life could you advocate for?
- As Deb Dagit has done, we must refuse to let attacks on the important work that each of us are doing keep us from carrying on with that work. What important work of yours has been stalled? How could you begin again?
- We must see and respect people with disabilities as our sisters, brothers, and siblings who are far more than what they lack. We must value their gifts. How can you demonstrate respect for people with disabilities in your life?
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