Diversity at Work

Delaware is firmly committed to diversity as a vital element in a thriving economy.

 




Diversity is a Vital Element in Delaware’s Thriving Economy

Delaware is a small state with a big heart. Impeccably located in the center of the U.S. East Coast, Delaware’s population reflects increasing racial, cultural, and generational diversity which makes it an ideal location that always grows and evolves.

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Historical Firsts in the First State

Lisa Blunt-Rochester became the first woman and the first African-American to represent Delaware in Congress in 2017 and in the U.S. Senate in 2025.

Sarah McBride succeeded Blunt Rochester as Delaware’s U.S. Representative in 2025 and became the first openly transgender member of Congress.

Diversity by the Numbers

Families, professionals, and retirees from all backgrounds are shaping communities across all three of Delaware’s counties—creating places where people can live, work, and belong. With inclusive policies and strong partnerships, the Diamond State makes it easier to relocate, put down roots, and build a future with confidence.

That same focus on opportunity shows up in education. Delaware is committed to fair access to great schools, strong teachers, and clear college and career pathways. By supporting multilingual learners and prioritizing equity, the state is helping every student succeed while building a workforce and neighbor to neighbor connectivity that reflect the strength of Delaware’s ethnic and economic versatility.

Culture You Can Show Up To

In Delaware, the calendar reflects how many communities call the First State home. In Wilmington, the August Quarterly is one of the oldest African American cultural and religious celebrations in the country, while the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival honors the city’s own jazz great each summer.

Dover hosts the Delaware Caribbean Carnival and the Baila con Dover Latin Festival, and Wilmington’s Fourth Street comes alive for the Calle 4 Fiesta Hispano. The Holy Trinity Greek Festival, among the largest in the mid-Atlantic, and the German Saengerbund Oktoberfest in Newark carry European traditions forward. The Nanticoke Indian Powwow in Milton and Nanticoke Heritage Day celebration keep Delaware’s Indigenous roots front and center. In Dover, the “Positively Dover” African American Festival has welcomed families for more than three decades.

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What is an example of diversity in Delaware?

Delaware’s diversity is easiest to see on its calendar. Wilmington’s August Quarterly is one of the nation’s oldest African American celebrations, held since 1814. The Delaware Caribbean Carnival in Dover, the Nanticoke Indian Powwow in Milton, and the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival in Wilmington are among a few of the spotlight events year-round.

Because Delaware is small, leaders and decision-makers are within reach. Organizations like Code Differently in Wilmington build talent pipelines in partnership with major employers and HBCU programs, and the state has been recognized as a leading place for LGBTQ+-friendly business. Delaware has made history in Washington, too: Lisa Blunt Rochester became the first woman and first African American to represent the state in Congress and the U.S. Senate, and Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender member of Congress.

What does diversity look like in Delaware?

It looks like neighbors of different races, cultures, faiths, ages, and abilities sharing one small state — visible in classrooms that support multilingual learners, festivals that span every county, and leaders who reflect the people they serve.

What part of Delaware is the most diverse?

Northern Delaware — Wilmington and the Newark and New Castle County corridor — is the state’s most diverse area, with communities, restaurants, and cultural events drawn from around the world. Kent and Sussex counties add their own growing communities and heritage celebrations, so diversity is part of the story statewide, not just in one city.