DEI Statement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement*

As a Black woman in economics, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are deeply important to both my personal and professional identity. My lived experiences, along with those of many individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds, continually reinforce for me how essential inclusive and equitable environments are to the growth and success of organizations, academic institutions, and the economics profession more broadly. I feel a strong responsibility to help ensure that individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic backgrounds can see themselves pursuing meaningful and successful careers in economics and related fields.

At the same time, I recognize that my own experiences within the profession are shaped by dimensions of privilege that may not be shared by others. As a cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied, U.S.-born citizen, I understand that there are barriers faced by many members of the economics community that I do not experience in the same ways. Remaining attentive to those perspectives is an important part of how I approach mentorship, collaboration, and institutional engagement.

I believe that advancing DEI within economics requires more than symbolic commitment. Organizations such as the American Economic Association’s Committee on the Status of Minority Groups in the Economics Profession (CSMGEP), Committee on the Status of Women in the Economics Profession (CSWEP), and Committee on the Status of LGBTQ+ Individuals in the Economics Profession (CSQIEP) play critical roles in promoting representation, mentorship, transparency, and professional support across the field. However, meaningful progress also depends on broader engagement throughout the profession. Departments, institutions, faculty, staff, researchers, and students all contribute to shaping the culture and priorities of economics.

A profession informed by a narrow range of lived experiences risks overlooking important research questions, institutional mechanisms, and policy implications that affect large portions of society. Expanding representation within economics strengthens the field by broadening perspectives, improving the relevance of our research, and encouraging more comprehensive approaches to understanding economic behavior and inequality.

For me, engagement in DEI extends across research, teaching, mentorship, publishing, recruitment, admissions, hiring, and everyday professional interactions. Inclusive institutional cultures benefit not only historically marginalized groups, but the broader academic and professional communities they serve. Thoughtful consideration of both equity and inclusion can help reduce barriers to participation, improve professional environments, and expand opportunities for future generations of economists.

Please visit the following pages to read further on Monique's current and continued DEI engagement:

DEI In Practice

Continuing Engagement with DEI

*Inclusion of this webpage inspired by Marc Bellemare, Ph.D.

Page Last Updated: May 2026