The work has taught me to be very intentional with the words I use.
Was DEI something you were always passionate about?
Yes. I went to a predominantly white school and realized I was one of four people of color in the class. Once I graduated, I started getting more involved in DEI. In my capstone, I was the only person of color on the team. And when I was reviewing it, I realized there was not a single person of color in the campaign. And it was for natural beauty! This is why it’s so important to have people on these committees. I learned so much and it really influences the way that I write or make creative work.
What made you want to get involved?
I knew there was a need for an ERG and I knew if I could help, I wanted to. Being an ERG lead has been rough. But on the bright side, being able to relate to each other helps – like having a conversation about how our names are often mispronounced at work.
How has being a part of your ERG/the DEI Committee changed the way you work at Movement?
It has taught me to be very intentional with the words I use. To have that extra lens to say, “This brand doesn’t sound right’ or just being more inclusive with the words I use.
What do you hope to accomplish within the DEI space long-term, either at Movement, or beyond? What are you looking forward to being a part of next?
A personal goal I have for the ERG is that I want to have an event that allows us to connect more.
How did you get started with programs like Coffee at a Distance, MAIP, and Women Who Create?
I was getting ready to graduate and I realized I didn’t really know what I was doing. I felt very lost and like I didn’t have anyone who understood where I came from. My professor told me I should get a mentor so I started using LinkedIn to connect with people that I felt could be that mentor for me. One thing led to another and that’s how I got started with MAIP who connected me with Coffee at a Distance (where I’m currently a mentor) and Women Who Create.
