August found me in Chicago, addressing Northwestern's Pritzker School of Law incoming class of over 300 law students. What a full-circle moment for me! After beginning a career in the law, working on behalf of marginalized individuals, and then deciding to devote my entire life to dismantling systemic racism, I found myself speaking to incoming law students on how to use their careers (and, indeed, their lives) to bring equity and justice to those they'll meet and serve over the course of their time in the law was such a blessing.
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Bringing the next generation of leaders into DEIB work
Dean Hari Osofsky and Associate Dean Michael Burns were such wonderful hosts! They'd initially reached out to me wondering if it was possible for me to craft a keynote for their incoming class that informed them about the essentials of DEIB work, or as they say DEIE, the second 'E' for Engagement.
My answer was a resounding yes! My DEIB 101 program is a perfect fit for organizations looking to do some level-setting in small or large groups around introductory concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. I've designed the curriculum carefully so that if a participant is brand new to these concepts, it's a shame-free and compassionate introduction; if a participant is well-versed in these ideas, the presentation delves deeper to provide thoughtful, internally-focused reflection prompts to challenge and develop their awareness.
Associate Dean Burns reached out to me the week following the program to share some kind words about my time at Northwestern:
"Thank you for bringing your informative and thoughtful program to Northwestern Law. We continue to receive wonderful feedback regarding the presentation, and it set the right tone for our upcoming year."
I'm always so grateful to receive such kind, lovely feedback from those that host me. It truly means the world to me to be able to bring this work to organizations across America looking to deepen their relationship with DEI work. On a personal level, it was also humbling and awe-inspiring to me to be in community with so many of the next generation of law practitioners. What a gift to see all that is possible in the next century as these leaders step into their power.
Thank you to Dean Hari Osofsky and Associate Dean Michael Burns. I so enjoyed my time at Northwestern Law, and I wish you, your students, and your faculty the very best as you move forward into another school year!
Are you a visionary leader looking to bring this work to your own organization? Get in touch with us here -- we'd love to wind up blogging about the work we were able to achieve together deploying our programs at your workplace!