In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are being quietly scaled back, scrutinized, or shelved altogether, Farzana Nayani, CEO of Manazil Management and WBENC-certified business owner, is choosing a different path—one that doesn’t retreat, but reinvents.
On a recent episode of Women in Motion, sponsored by WBEC-West, Nayani joined hosts Renita Manley and Lee Kantor to discuss the state of DEI, what women-owned businesses should be doing now, and how resilience, relationships, and reframing are key to thriving in today’s changing landscape.
From DEI to Ownership, Opportunity & Equity
“DEI was never the end goal,” Nayani explains. “For many of us, especially women business owners, the real goal has always been ownership, opportunity, and equity that shows up in actual contracts and economic power.”
As a multicultural expert and DEI strategist with over 20 years of experience, Nayani brings both professional and personal insight to this moment. “I’m the daughter of immigrants, I’m multiracial, and this work isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am,” she says.
Pivoting with Purpose, Not Panic
When asked how her own business has responded to the changing DEI climate, Nayani is candid: “I had to pivot. And it wasn’t just about the services—it was about the language.” Terms like “diversity” and “inclusion” have become politically charged in some sectors, so Nayani now adapts her terminology to suit the audience: “I use phrases like workplace engagement and people and culture. It’s the same mission—just a more strategic delivery.”
Her message to other WBEs? Be agile but intentional. “This isn’t about compromise,” she emphasizes. “It’s about connection. If I can meet someone where they are and bring them along in the conversation, that’s progress.”
Real Relationships > Buzzwords
In a landscape filled with performative pledges and shifting priorities, Nayani reminds WBEs that deep, authentic relationships are the most powerful currency.
“Clients come to me with their hardest problems because there’s trust,” she says. “And I’ve never had to advertise—my work comes through word-of-mouth and relationships I’ve built over time.”
Her advice: Mirror your clients’ language, listen closely, and position yourself as a true partner, not just a service provider. “You have to reduce fear, build trust, and demonstrate that you’re there to solve real business problems.”
What’s Really Happening with DEI?
Despite headlines suggesting a pullback, Nayani says DEI work is far from over—it’s just being reframed.
“There’s a lot of noise, but the work is still happening,” she insists. “I’m still seeing major RFPs coming out of the State of California asking for implicit bias and racial equity training. They just aren’t labeling it ‘DEI’ anymore.”
She emphasizes that DEI isn’t illegal, as some might think. “As long as programs are inclusive and not discriminatory, they’re fully compliant. The misunderstanding is fueling fear. We have to move past that.”
Action Steps for WBEs
Nayani offered several practical ways for WBEs to adapt and thrive in this evolving climate:
- Audit your business: “Pop the hood and check what needs a tune-up. Get your systems tight.”
- Call your top 50 clients: “Ask what they need, what they’re seeing, and how you can help.”
- Use AI to brainstorm: “It’s a powerful tool for testing new messaging or developing fresh offers.”
- Build informal networks: “Create or join a mastermind. I meet biweekly with other WBENC-certified women to strategize and support each other.”
Certification = Preparedness
For Nayani, being a WBENC certified WBE with WBEC-West has made a huge difference—not just in access, but in readiness.
“You can’t go through certification and not be on top of your business,” she says. “It forces you to be organized, confident, and investor-ready. That foundation has helped me pursue everything from DBE certification to large-scale state and federal bids.”
A Moment to Regroup—and Rebuild
Rather than seeing this moment as a retreat, Nayani views it as a necessary pause—an invitation to reevaluate and come back stronger.
“It’s like COVID all over again,” she reflects. “We’re being asked to pivot hard and fast—but we’ve done it before, and we’ll do it again.”
What gives her hope? “The community. The courage. The resilience. And organizations like WBEC-West, who keep showing up and creating spaces for us to thrive.”
Final Word: Accelerate Your Connections
As the 2025 WBEC-West Annual Conference approaches, themed “Accelerate Your Connections,” Nayani’s words serve as both encouragement and a call to action:
“We can’t do nothing. We have to adapt. We have to show up for each other and keep the momentum going. We’re not retreating—we’re rebuilding.”
For more on WBEC-West certification, programs, and the 2025 Annual Conference, visit www.wbec-west.org. To listen to the Full Women In Motion Podcast visit: https://businessradiox.com/series/women-in-motion/
About WBEC-West
WBEC-West, the Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West, is committed to driving growth, fostering equity, and inspiring innovation among women-owned businesses across the Western United States. Through its comprehensive certification, education, and advocacy efforts, WBEC-West empowers women entrepreneurs to connect with major corporations, government agencies, and organizations looking to diversify their supply chains.
As a proud Regional Partner Organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), WBEC-West supports a dynamic network of women-owned businesses in Arizona,
California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Hawaii, and beyond. Its initiatives are designed to remove barriers and create opportunities for women entrepreneurs, offering access to invaluable resources, tailored educational programs, and high-impact networking events.
From certification workshops and leadership development programs to innovative offerings like the virtual Supplier Center of Excellence, WBEC-West is dedicated to equipping women-owned businesses with the tools and strategies needed to scale and succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. For more information about WBEC-West and its initiatives, visit www.wbec-west.org.
