DE&I: The Zillennial Approach
Sonia Gabriela Pings Rodriguez
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION: THE ZILLENIAL APPROACH
learn together, grow together, succeed together
This isn't your 90's Diversity Initiative.
​
I'm either a baby millennial or an elderly Gen Z so let's just split the difference and own them both. Either way, I've grown up knowing how quickly the world can change and I've learned how to evolve with it. It's time to admit the old way isn't working. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not trends. This is a movement and whether the world is ready to admit it or not, the future is diverse and multifaceted. So, there are two choices now: adapt or fade. I'm eager to help with the former. And not just because I'm a woman of color. Probably.
DE&I PASSIONS
In case you haven't noticed, DE&I is very important to me - in all aspects. Every course I take is part of a journey to become as well versed in DE&I as I possible can. However, there are interests and causes that first lit the way for this journey. Passion is what fuels each of us and it's important to acknowledge that. So, as I share mine, I implore you to consider your own DE&I passions. You're here for a reason - that reason is your spark.
CULTURE
Cultural Diversity - the existence and support of multiple cultures rather than one assimilated monoculture
NEURODIVERGENCE
Neurodivergent inclusivity - ensuring proper resources and procedures are in place for people that aren't neurotypical
RACE AND ETHNICITY
Racial and ethnic equity- rectifying the power and opportunity imbalances that people of color face every day
FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
Equity of the sexes - the conscious effort to offset the imbalance of male and female power
COLORISM
Colorism and inclusion - the creation of a community where skin color does not determine one's sense of belonging
GENDER AND SEXUALITY