About DEDI

The Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) within the Department of Administration that was created under a different name in the summer of 2014 as a result of the State’s implementation of Executive Order 13-05, entitled: Promotion of Diversity, Equal Opportunity and Minority Business Enterprises in Rhode Island.

DEDI has two major units within its division. The first is the Minority Business Enterprise Compliance Office, which certifies eligible businesses in Rhode Island as Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) to increase economic opportunity, especially within state contracting.

The Division’s Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) offers career guidance to potential minority job candidates and helps shape the State's workforce pipeline. This effort includes hosting monthly state government information sessions to explain how to apply for and learn about state job opportunities.  

Major Goals

To ensure that the state government workforce reflects the demographics of our state’s labor force, with an emphasis on increasing the representation of all protected classes in the higher-level management positions.

To improve the culture within state government to be more equitable, inclusive, and engaging for all employees, as well as to improve the quality of service to our customers and clients.

To increase State procurement opportunities for minority and women-owned business enterprises, disadvantaged business enterprises, veteran business enterprises, and disability business enterprises.