Coming to terms with the white moderate
1SHARES
When leaders commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion, they must start with deep self-reflection. It is not uncommon for someone to disavow racism or reject gender discrimination. It is less common to understand what it takes to follow through on a commitment to building a fully equitable and inclusive organization.
My origin story the background that made me who I am taught me that being a woman was something I needed to overcome; that if I worked hard enough, I might be able to move beyond the inherent flaws I was born with and navigate a system that was not designed for me. Growing up, I understood my best bet was to stand back, to observe, and to play by rules that were never quite articulated. I prided myself in knowing better than others how to navigate successfully. I knew where to subordinate, where to subject, where to fall in line, so that quietly – when nobody was watching – I could take small steps forward, subtle