Leadership

International Friendship Day Through a DEI Lens

By KeYunna Taylor

International Friendship Day is more than a celebration of personal relationships; it is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. In the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the principles of friendship are not incidental; they are foundational. Mutual respect, empathy, and the courage to connect across differences serve as cornerstones for building inclusive environments.

True belonging starts with connection. And genuine, trusting, human connection is sparked through friendship.  

The Value of Connection in the Workplace and Beyond

When my grandmother passed, I buried myself in work, convincing myself that everything would fall apart if I took a step back. It was easier for me to stay busy than to deal with the grief.

My coworker, SB, and I had only exchanged pleasantries a few times before. I was always busy with the whirlwind of credentialing demands; she, a psychologist, focused on patient care. Different lanes. Different worlds.

But one afternoon she asked, “How are you really doing?” Something about the way she said it made the truth spill out. I told her about my grandmother, the ache in my heart I kept pushing down, the guilt I felt just thinking about taking a leave of absence. Initially, she didn’t offer advice. She just listened.

Then, with the comfort of a mother’s (or grandmother's) hug, she said, “Your grief deserves as much care as your work, if not more.” Her words were my reminder that taking time off wasn’t abandoning my work; it was honoring what I was carrying.

Because of her, I finally put in the request. And though we were coworkers in different departments, that moment created something between us. An alignment, an alliance … a friendship.

Oftentimes, friendships don't arrive with fanfare. They can be a quiet act of compassion that changes everything.

Friendship as a Force for Inclusion  

In today's diverse workplace, we are presented with opportunities to form bonds across backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. These connections not only enrich our personal lives but also enhance collaboration, innovation, and psychological safety.  

Friendship, in this context, becomes more than emotional support. It becomes an instrument for dismantling bias, fostering inclusion, and creating space for authentic engagement. Choosing friendship is choosing belonging.  

3 Ways to Celebrate Friendship Through a DEI Lens  

1. Practice Intentional Inclusion  

Go beyond your comfort zone. Greet a colleague that you do not know. Invite someone new to join your team chats. Simple gestures of outreach can help others feel seen and valued.  

2. Listen With Empathy  

Deep, meaningful friendship begins with intentional listening. Make space for others to share their stories and perspectives without judgment. Listening to understand, and not just to respond, builds trust and strengthens inclusion.  

3. Celebrate Differences  

Friendship is not about  similarity; it is carefully crafted by our differences. When we embrace what makes each of us unique, we foster environments where diverse voices are welcomed and celebrated.  

A Call to Belonging  

Our commitment to DEI must be both strategic and human. Let us honor International Friendship Day by nurturing relationships that reflect our values and strengthen our collective well-being. Friendship is the very heart of DEI work. 

Happy International Friendship Day! May we continue to build a culture rooted in compassion, connection, and courage. 

KeYunna Taylor

KeYunna E. Taylor is a seasoned credentialing specialist and member of the NAMSS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, additionally serving on the Mentoring Committee. As a DEI advocate, she leads engagement strategies focused on equity, access, and inclusive workplace practices. With five years of experience in medical staff services and provider credentialing, KeYunna brings expertise in regulatory compliance, payor enrollment, NCQA standards, and multi-state provider onboarding across healthcare networks.

She is also an accomplished author and poet, and the founder of LOVE (Leaders Of Victory & Empowerment), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through music education. Her work bridges healthcare administration and cultural advocacy, reflecting a deep commitment to both procedural integrity and human connection. Through both her professional and creative pursuits, she upholds the belief that love is a purpose and a practice.