Melissa Tulis Smith and Rachel Rogers discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the banking and financial sectors. They explain that DEI involves creating a workplace where diverse individuals are represented, treated fairly, and valued. DEI is crucial for banks because it helps them better understand and serve their diverse customer base, fosters innovation, and enhances decision-making. Effective DEI practices can improve regulatory compliance, attract top talent, and reduce turnover costs. They emphasize the need for inclusive hiring, training, and promotion processes, and highlight that DEI initiatives can enhance customer service, client relationships, and overall business success.