Advancing DEI in AES: A Pilot Analysis of AES Convention Participants Data

Wu JC, Namballa R, Mazurek M, Grossheim T. Advancing DEI in AES: A Pilot Analysis of AES Convention Participants Data. In: AES Convention 155. Audio Engineering Society; 2023. Paper 157. Available from: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=22311

@inproceedings{Wu2023_22311,
  author = {Wu, Jiayue Cecilia and Namballa, Richa and Mazurek, Mary and Grossheim, Teri},
  title = {{Advancing DEI in AES: A Pilot Analysis of AES Convention Participants Data}},
  booktitle = {AES Convention 155},
  note = {Paper 157},
  year = {2023},
  month = oct,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  url = {https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=22311}
}

TY  - CPAPER
TI  - Advancing DEI in AES: A Pilot Analysis of AES Convention Participants Data
AU  - Wu, Jiayue Cecilia
AU  - Namballa, Richa
AU  - Mazurek, Mary
AU  - Grossheim, Teri
T2  - AES Convention 155
M1  - Paper 157
PY  - 2023
DA  - 2023/10/06
UR  - https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=22311
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - This paper presents a comprehensive data analysis of a pilot study conducted at the AES Europe 2023 154th Convention to explore diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the AES community. This pilot study produced the first DEI dataset for the AES community, which gathered 109 unique survey responses, collecting quantitative and qualitative data on AES members. While acknowledging the limitations of the sample size, the study provides a foundation for identifying trends and enhancing future surveys to advance DEI endeavors. By examining various dimensions of identity, such as gender, race, and language, the analysis reveals how different demographic groups perceive AES and its DEI initiatives. Notably, the survey demonstrates inclusivity by attracting non-male, non-white members to participate, emphasizing the importance of involving non-binary genders and people of color in DEI efforts. Support for DEI initiatives is evident. A rare case expressed underlying skepticism about the authority of the AES DEI Committee to pursue its programs and suggested that DEI work is unnecessary. In the analysis, the authors dive deeper into these varying opinions of AES and show the merit of conducting a larger-scale DEI survey in order to establish a baseline of the current demographic makeup of the AES community and track how it changes over time. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts of creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive AES community and lays the groundwork for future studies.
ER  -