Target doubles down on inclusion and women’s advancement in rare public remarks

Catalyst, a company championing workplace inclusion and women’s advancement, kicked off its annual Convene conference this week with an unexpected guest.

While Target has largely shied away from talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion since President Trump returned to office, it sent Alisa Dalton, VP of community engagement and belonging, to open the event.

She acknowledged that Target fell short and lost trust with customers, but claimed the company is committed to inclusion work.

Catch up. Target publicly distanced itself from DEI in early 2025 after a more than 35-year journey toward diversity and inclusion, and 22 years after the company established its office of diversity and inclusion. Just one day after President Trump made a speech denouncing DEI and signing several executive orders, Target rolled back many of its DEI initiatives, including participation in external benchmarking surveys, its supplier diversity program, and its diversity goals.

Customers boycotted the company in its wake, while employees expressed fear and disappointment, and foot traffic dropped for months.

Brian Cornell, who served as CEO since 2014, announced his departure in Aug. 2025 and was replaced by Michael Fiddelke, who joined Target in 2003 and was previously the chief operating officer. As the new CEO, Fiddelke’s big task from the moment he stepped into the role in Feb. 2026, was to build the business back to its most successful days

In March, more than a year after Target publicly backed away from its DEI efforts, the boycott started by Atlanta’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church officially ended. But that doesn’t mean all customers flocked back to the stores. For some Black women, the relationship may never be repaired, according to the 19th.

Appearing at an inclusion conference. Target has largely remained mum on its current efforts toward diversity and inclusion, and the company still does not appear to have a section dedicated to belonging or inclusion on public-facing sites.

“For us [Target], it’s about unlocking potential, building leadership and creating growth and opportunity for all,” Dalton told the audience. “That said, I have to be honest. This morning, I’ve heard both relief and a little surprise that we’re here. We continue to show up and support organizations like Catalyst.”

Target has been partnering with Catalyst for more than 30 years, and does not plan on changing its relationship with the organization.

Fiddelke has expressed his desire to make bold choices and move with urgency as Target pursues profitable growth while it rebuilds trust with customers.

“We were not clear enough about who we are as a community, which led to a loss of trust with our guests, especially our Black customers.” she said. Under Fiddelke’s leadership, she said, Target will be “a place for everyone.”

“This work really matters,” Dalton said. “You can see that in the leaders across our business who are held accountable to building inclusive teams and strong cultures.”

Target will also continue to invest in new leaders, advance more women, and build pathways for all employees. “At Target, we believe when women rise, communities rise with them,” Dalton said. “The work of creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, connected, and the work of opening doors and creating opportunities…must keep going, because not only does the work change the trajectory of lives, but it fuels our business.”