“Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.” That quote by Malcolm Forbes really says it all—and I couldn’t agree more. To me, diversity means including people from all kinds of backgrounds—different ethnicities, cultures, beliefs, and life experiences. These differences shape who we are as individuals, and when we come together, they help us see the world in new ways. In this blog, I want to talk about how diversity shows up all around us—through culture, thoughts, and personal experiences—and why celebrating our differences actually makes us smarter, stronger, and more connected.

One of the best things about diversity is how it shows up in culture.Every time we try food from another country, listen to international music, or take part in a celebration that’s new to us, we’re learning something about someone else’s world. Pizza from Italy, Latin music from Latin America, and traditions like Christmas or Diwali all reflect different histories and values. These things help us connect with others in fun, meaningful ways. Cities like Toronto or New York hold multicultural festivals all year long. People get to share their stories, and others get to learn and join in. That’s how we build respect, curiosity, and global understanding—by simply being open to each other’s cultures.

Diversity isn’t just about where you’re from—it’s also about how you think. Everyone brings unique perspectives to the table, and that’s where the magic happens. Different ideas spark creativity and help solve problems in new ways. Take Pixar, for example. They’ve made movies like Coco and Luca, which are based in Mexico and Italy. They’re not just entertaining—they teach us something about other cultures, too. These stories come from creative teams with different backgrounds. That’s why they feel fresh and meaningful. When we welcome different ways of thinking, we make space for innovation and bigger ideas.

Each of us has our own story shaped by where we come from, what we’ve gone through, and who we’ve met along the way. Listening to each other’s stories helps us understand more about the world—and about ourselves. It also helps us grow more empathetic and open-minded. When we hear someone’s perspective, we begin to see things in a new light. Malala Yousafzai is a powerful example. Her story of standing up for girls' education inspires people all over the world. Her voice, shaped by her experiences, teaches us courage, strength, and why every story matters.

Diversity strengthens everything—from communities and schools to workplaces and friendships. It helps build stronger teams, better communication, and more creative thinking. For example, in Finland’s education system, students are taught the importance of inclusion and respect for others from a young age. This kind of learning helps create a future where people are treated fairly—no matter where they come from. When we choose to be inclusive, we make space for others to grow. And when we learn from different perspectives, we become better people ourselves.

At the end of the day, diversity isn’t just something we check off a list—it’s something we live, experience, and celebrate every day. Whether you’re trying a new dish, learning about a different culture, or listening to someone’s story, you’re taking a step toward a more understanding and united world. So let’s keep asking questions. Let’s stay curious and kind. And let’s always look for ways to connect—not separate. Because like Winston Churchill once said, “Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common—celebrate it every day.”