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Need a Diversity Calendar for 2025? Get complete DEI and inclusion events, religious observances, awareness months 2025, and more
In 2025, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion continues to be a central theme in our global conversation. While we have made strides in creating more inclusive environments, there is always room for growth and improvement. A truly thriving society depends on recognizing and celebrating our differences.
Organizations are increasingly focused on developing DEI initiatives that ensure every employee feels valued and included. One effective tool to support these efforts is our Diversity Calendar, which highlights DEI holidays and significant cultural events throughout the year. This calendar serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusion in our daily lives and workplaces.
Below, you’ll find a sample of our diversity and inclusion calendar for 2025, featuring religious holidays, awareness months, and monthly diversity themes. This selection is designed to help you celebrate and integrate these important dates into your personal and professional life.
If a holiday begins the evening before, we will mark it with an asterisk (*) below.
January is a month to celebrate the diverse ways in which we communicate and connect with each other. From recognizing the importance of Braille for the visually impaired to honoring cultural and religious celebrations, this month is about understanding and appreciating the various forms of expression that enrich our world.
January 4 – UN: World Braille Day
Celebrates the importance of Braille for the visually impaired.
January 7 – Coptic & Eastern Orthodox Christian: Christmas
Marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar.
January 14 – Buddhist: Mahayana New Year
Celebrates the Buddhist New Year in Mahayana traditions.
January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Honors the civil rights leader and his contributions to equality.
January 27 – International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust
Remembers the victims of the Holocaust and promotes Holocaust education.
Learn more about January diversity days with our web-based DEI Calendar suite. Make sure to also check out our Heritage Months 2025 highlights.
February is dedicated to celebrating Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions, achievements, and rich history of Black Americans. This month also includes significant events that promote harmony and awareness across various cultural and health-related spectrums.
February 1 – UN: World Interfaith Harmony Week
Promotes harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
February 2 – Pagan and Wiccan: Imbolc
Celebrates the beginning of spring and the goddess Brigid.
February 4 – World Cancer Day
Raises awareness of cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
February 17 – Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)
Honors the birthday of George Washington, the first U.S. President.
February 26 – Hindu: Maha Shivaratri
A major Hindu festival celebrating Lord Shiva.
Read more about February awareness days to celebrate with our February Diversity Calendar 2025, and check out our National Awareness Months 2025 blog post.
March is dedicated to celebrating Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. This month also features important observances across different faiths and cultures, emphasizing the importance of equality and diversity.
March 1 – Islamic: Ramadan
A holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims.
March 5 – Christian: Ash Wednesday
Marks the beginning of Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.
March 8 – International Women’s Day
Celebrates the achievements of women and calls for gender equality.
March 14 – Hindu: Holi
The festival of colors, celebrating the arrival of spring.
March 14 – Sikh: Hola Mohalla
A Sikh festival featuring martial arts, poetry, and community gatherings.
Discover more March religious holidays to celebrate with our Interfaith Calendar 2025.
April is dedicated to World Autism Month, raising awareness and promoting understanding and acceptance of people with autism. This month also includes diverse religious and cultural celebrations, highlighting the rich tapestry of global traditions.
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
Promotes understanding and acceptance of people with autism.
April 12 – Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Memorial of Jesus’ Death
Commemorates the death of Jesus Christ.
April 13-20 – Jewish: Passover*
Celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.
April 14 – Sikh, Hindu: Vaisakhi
Marks the Sikh New Year and celebrates the spring harvest.
April 20 – Christian: Easter
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Learn about more April diversity events with our April Diversity Calendar 2025.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to promote mental well-being and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This month also includes events that recognize diverse cultural, religious, and social contributions to our global community.
May 12 – Buddhist: Vesak (Buddha Day)
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
May 15 – Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Promotes digital accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
May 17 – LGBTQ+: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
Raises awareness of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
May 17 – Veterans: Armed Forces Day
Honors the men and women who serve in the military.
May 28 – Baha’i: Ascension of Baha’u’llah*
Commemorates the passing of the founder of the Baha’i Faith.
Discover more May religious holidays or May heritage events with our May Diversity Calendar 2025. Make sure to celebrate diversity months 2025.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, celebrating the diversity, history, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. This month also includes events emphasizing love, acceptance, and the importance of countering hate speech.
June 2-3 – Jewish: Shavuot*
Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
June 7-10 – Islamic: Eid al-Adha*
A major Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
June 12 – US: Loving Day
Celebrates the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that struck down laws banning interracial marriage.
June 18 – UN: International Day of Countering Hate Speech
Promotes efforts to combat hate speech worldwide.
June 19 – US: Juneteenth
Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Learn more about different June religious holidays and June awareness days with our June Diversity Calendar 2025.
July is Disability Pride Month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities. This month also includes significant cultural and national observances that promote equality and inclusion.
July 4 – US: Independence Day
Celebrates the independence of the United States.
July 9 – Baha’i: Martyrdom of the Bab*
Commemorates the execution of the Baha’i co-founder.
July 14 – LGBTQ+: International Non-Binary People’s Day
Raises awareness of non-binary gender identities.
July 18 – UN: Nelson Mandela International Day
Honors the legacy of Nelson Mandela and promotes global peace.
July 24 – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Pioneer Day
Commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in Utah.
Visit the July Diversity Calendar 2025 to learn more about all of the important July religious holidays and July heritage events.
August is Intersectionality Awareness Month, highlighting the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender. This month features events that promote understanding and advocacy for diverse and intersecting identities.
August 9 – UN: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
Celebrates the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples worldwide.
August 19 – UN: World Humanitarian Day
Honors humanitarian workers and advocates for those affected by crises.
August 21 – Jain: Paryushana begins
Marks the beginning of an important Jain festival focused on fasting and forgiveness.
August 26 – US: Women’s Equality Day
Commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.
August 27 – Hindu: Ganesh Chaturthi
Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha.
Explore more August diversity days and August awareness days with our August Diversity Calendar 2025.
September celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. This month also includes observances that promote mental health, safety, and equality.
September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
Raises awareness about suicide prevention.
September 11 – US: Patriot Day
Remembers the victims of the September 11 attacks.
September 15 – World Afro Day
Celebrates Afro hair and the cultural significance behind it.
September 18 – UN: International Equal Pay Day
Promotes the fight for equal pay for equal work.
September 23 – UN: International Day of Sign Languages
Celebrates sign languages and their importance for deaf communities.
Learn more about important September awareness days and September religious holidays on our September Diversity Calendar 2025.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness and promoting research for breast cancer. This month also features diverse cultural and religious events that foster inclusion and understanding.
October 1 – UN: International Day for Older Persons
Promotes the rights and well-being of older persons worldwide.
October 2 – Jewish: Yom Kippur*
The holiest day in Judaism, dedicated to atonement and repentance.
October 10 – World Inclusion Day
Encourages inclusive practices and environments for all.
October 15 – LGBTQ+: International Pronouns Day
Raises awareness about respecting and using correct pronouns.
October 20 – Hindu: Diwali
The festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.
Explore more October heritage months and October awareness days with our October Diversity Calendar 2025.
November is Native American Heritage Month, celebrating the cultures, traditions, and histories of Native Americans. This month also includes observances that honor veterans and promote gender equality and remembrance.
November 11 – US: Veterans Day
Honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
November 19 – International Men’s Day
Highlights positive male role models and issues facing men globally.
November 20 – LGBTQ+: Transgender Day of Remembrance
Memorializes those who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence.
November 27 – US: Thanksgiving Day
A national holiday for giving thanks and spending time with family and friends.
Visit here to read more about November diversity days with our November Diversity Calendar 2025.
December is Universal Human Rights Month, promoting the protection and advocacy of human rights for all. This month also includes diverse religious and cultural celebrations that encourage unity and peace.
December 3 – UN: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
December 10 – UN: International Human Rights Day
Celebrates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
December 21 – Pagan and Wiccan: Yule*
Celebrates the winter solstice and the rebirth of the sun.
December 25 – Christmas
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
December 26-January 1 – US: Kwanzaa
A week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture.
Discover even more insightful and interesting diversity days that you can celebrate during December with our Diversity Calendar Suite. You can also explore more inclusion opportunities with our Interfaith Calendar 2025.
We hope you’ve found this Diversity Calendar 2025 Highlights useful in your quest for DEI and learning more about DEI holidays 2025. Try out the full Online Diversity Calendar for all 1,000+ DEI events, religious holidays, and observances.
Diversity Resources is the leading provider of
inclusion training + daily belonging tools
Diversity Resources is the leading provider of
inclusion training + daily belonging tools
Diversity Resources is the leading provider of
inclusion training + daily belonging tools
By Lillie Therieau
Maria Gaetana Agnesi was the first woman to write a mathematics textbook and the second woman to be appointed as a professor at a university. But, that’s not the end of her extraordinary achievements and qualities. Maria took care of her 20 younger siblings selflessly after the death of her mother, setting aside her own aspirations to join a convent and become a nun.
After her father died and her siblings were grown up, Maria devoted the remainder of her life to helping the poor and homeless. Though her family was one of the richest in Bologna at the time, she gave all of her money and possessions to the needy, dying a poor woman.
Maria Gaetana Agnesi was a great mathematician, philosopher, and theologian. She transcended all the boundaries of being a woman in 18th-century Italy to make an impact not only in the world of mathematics, but also in the life of regular people living in her hometown of Milan.
Portrait of Italian Mathematician, Maria Gaetana Agnesi, via Wikimedia
Maria Gaetana Agnesi was born in 1718 in Milan, Italy. Her father was a well-to-do silk merchant and her mother was a minor noble. She was part of a large family, the oldest of 21 children! Thanks to the relative wealth of her family, Maria was able to grow up around books and receive the education that most girls in Italy at the time were denied. At the age of 5, she was already proficient in Italian and French. By her 11th birthday, Maria was fluent in seven languages.
Maria’s family and neighbors regarded her as a child prodigy and supported her continued schooling. However, when she turned 12, she began to experience a mysterious illness. Everyone wondered if it had been caused by her excessive reading–unfortunately falling prey to the popular idea that women weren’t meant to learn about the world. Her doctors prescribed vigorous physical outdoors activities, but they made the illness worse. Today, scholars believe that it’s likely Maria was epileptic and experiencing seizures.
After the prescription for exercise failed to cure her, Maria was allowed to continue with her studies. She loved mathematics and philosophy, particularly taking an interest in geometry. Her father wanted to support Maria, but she was quickly outpacing traditional tutoring. He decided to invite well-known academics and thinkers from all over the province of Bologna to his home to discuss new ideas with Maria. She had regular meetings with the group of men, challenging their assumptions.
Photo of a Decorative Statue of Agnesi in Milan, by G.Dallorto, via Wikimedia
After Maria’s mother died, she stepped in as the de facto caregiver for her 20 younger siblings. She was resentful of the task, as her life goal was always to join a convent. Maria was deeply religious and believed that mathematics went hand in hand with theology. However, in exchange for taking care of her siblings, her father allowed her to totally withdraw from public life. She almost never left her home, devoting every moment of her spare time to research and work. Maria was also passionate about charity work, donating large sums of her family’s sizable wealth to the needy in Milan.
Maria was appointed to the chair of mathematics, physics and natural sciences at the University of Bologna by Pope Benedict XIV in 1750. She was only the second woman in Western history to be appointed as a professor at a university. When her father died in 1752, Maria gave away all of her possessions and spent the rest of her life working with the Church to help the poor. In 1783, she founded a home for the elderly in Milan, where she also lived and worked. She died in 1799 as a poor and unknown woman, buried in an unmarked grave.
Maria’s greatest mathematical achievement was authoring the two-part textbook, Analytical Institutions For the Use of Italian Youth. The books explained the integration of mathematical analysis and algebra, focusing on the work of Leonhard Euler. The first book in the series focused on finite sets, while the second dealt with infinitesimal calculus. Maria intended the textbook to make the new field of calculus more accessible to students (including her younger brothers) and mathematicians who were interested in the subject. That’s also why she chose to write the books in Italian. It was still customary to publish books in Latin, the traditional language of the academies. However, most people did not speak or read Latin and could only understand Italian. Maria wanted to ensure that many people could read and learn from her books.
Maria Gaetana Agnesi’s book, Instituzioni Analitiche,via maa.org
She dedicated the book to the Empress Maria Theresa, who thanked her with a letter and the gift of diamond jewelry. Maria also received a medal and recognition from Pope Benedict XIV for her contribution to mathematics. At the time, calculus was largely employed for its applications in physics. Maria helped to popularize it as an important discipline in its own right!
After Maria’s father died, she largely gave up on mathematics and academics beyond theology. Despite the early end to her mathematical career, she made a huge impact on the course of STEM history. Maria’s unusual life provides an inspiring role model for women (and anyone for that matter!) throughout time and geographic location.
Maria fought to make mathematics more accessible and available to people outside of the wealthy or academic circles. Many people, all over Europe, read her book in the 18th and 19th-century. They were inspired to learn more and dive into mathematics. Today, Maria is remembered as the first woman to gain international stature in mathematics. She has an asteroid and a moon crater named in her honor.
This article is the sixteenth in our series exploring the lives and achievements of famous mathematicians throughout history. (Our last article was about the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler!)
Through the lives of these brilliant folks, we hope you’ll find connections, inspiration, and empowerment.
Elephant Learning accurately tests and evaluates kids at different grade levels to see if they truly get what they should be learning. It then adjusts what they’re learning to ensure they understand math conceptually right from the start. The app provides educational games for the kids while also providing parents with reports and information on how the app is actually teaching a concept. Parents will find games to play with their children outside of the app that further support learning. We break it down for you, telling you how to help your child along every step of the way and showing you how to identify your child’s misunderstandings simply. For instance, rather than correcting them or showing them how to do the math problem correctly, ask them why they think they’re correct; you’re going to see what they misunderstand nearly immediately and be able to give them a hint on how to overcome it. This way, Elephant Learning is empowering to the student, but it’s also empowering to the parent. You no longer have to be afraid to take your child’s math education into your own hands.
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