Hello! I’m a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) educator and advocate specializing in issues surrounding the LGBTQ community.
My journey in diversity education is rooted in a simple belief: people want to understand each other. To paraphrase Dr. Barbara J. Love in “Developing a Liberatory Consciousness,” I believe it is in the best interest of my community to share my experience whenever and wherever possible.
My Story
I was raised in the Midwest in a multicultural environment where the values of empathy, understanding, and kindness taught me that we’re all stronger together.
Growing up, I struggled with my identity and gender since I was very young, culminating in depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation for many years. Because of these struggles, I missed out on many opportunities and experiences growing up.
In 2015, I came out as transgender and began my gender transition. During this time, I became acutely aware of the systemic prejudices surrounding the LGBTQ community, among others. This experience motivated me to share my experience and expertise with others, because I believe through visibility and understanding, no one needs to struggle as I have struggled.
My Approach
Words like “diversity,” “inclusion,” and “DEI” have become really scary words lately. Fear of saying the wrong thing or being labeled a toxic person is an understandable fear. Cancel culture is real. But I believe that people make mistakes, and that’s okay. As they say, to err is human. People should be allowed to learn, grow, and improve.
My approach emphasizes visibility and personal stories in an authentic, understanding, and casual environment. People have questions and they deserve to have those questions answered. After all, bigotry thrives in a vacuum. It’s much harder to dehumanize and delegitimize others when you can see their faces and learn their stories.
Naturally, these kinds of conversations can be uncomfortable. But I encourage you to lean into that discomfort. It’s simply a sign that there’s a chance to grow, something new to learn. And learning is fun!
No one likes to confront their systemic prejudices and unconscious biases, and we know mandatory DEI trainings aren’t successful. So I encourage my clients to take it at their own pace.
“Bigotry thrives in a vacuum. It’s much harder to dehumanize and delegitimize others when you can see their faces and learn their stories.”
My Impact
Through customized trainings, workshops, and initiatives, I work hand-in-hand with organizations to foster understanding, promote awareness, and build a culture that encourages everyone to be their truest selves.
Over the years, I have had the honor and privilege of sharing my expertise with organizations of various sizes and industries, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the International Living Future Institute. Additionally, I am honored to be a recurring guest lecturer at Wichita State University.
From facilitating difficult conversations to designing comprehensive diversity strategies, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of intentional and inclusive leadership.
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I’m excited to assist you on this adventure. Whether you’re a small startup or a multinational corporation, I’d love to support you in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.