This Women’s History Month, we can do more than celebrate the past; we can take action to construct a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse future. While we have made tremendous strides, there are still significant barriers being faced by women in the workforce. Here are four ways you can become a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Become Knowledgeable on DE&I
Diversity refers to the presence of differences in human identity, including race, age, sex, gender identity, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, language, sexual orientation, and more. Equity is the belief in ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities while understanding that some people may need different or possibly more resources and support. Inclusion refers to creating a space where everyone feels valued, respected, and welcomed. Understanding the meaning of these terms can support you on your journey to becoming a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a student, you can start by educating yourself on key concepts, challenges faced by marginalized groups and how to actively promote a more inclusive environment. Additionally, LinkedIn has many resources on becoming better equipped to contribute meaningful value to creating a more inclusive community on campus and in your future career endeavors.
Advocate for Yourself and Others
Advocacy is an essential part of the journey towards inclusivity. An advocate and a DEI champion do not have to be two different roles. To start this journey, or better support it, self-advocacy is of the upmost importance. Having the ability to communicate your needs and values can provide you with the confidence to support others in doing so. Self-advocacy can be supported by networking, finding a mentor, discovering your strengths and values through self-assessments, and engaging in professional development while leveraging the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills’ resources. Advocating for greater inclusivity and equity requires the willingness to be a part of possibly challenging conversations, but it can only be supported once one advocates for themselves.
Change the Conversation
This may be a difficult task to pursue. DEI is not something that can only be connected to careers and college courses; you can lead the championing of this into your everyday life, providing you with the power of leading spaces where everyone is involved and respected. This can be done by encouraging diverse perspectives and challenging bias in the classroom, creating a welcoming environment and planning accessible events in student organizations, listening actively and speaking up against microaggressions. In having the interest in changing conversations and systems, you not only become a champion of DEI, but you also become a master of the Equity and Inclusion competency. Striving to change the conversation can also lead you to developing communication skills and teamwork competencies, as you work to change inequitable environments.
Lead Inclusivity
Listed as one of the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ (NACE) eight essential career competencies, leadership is an important skill a DE&I champion must have. As Forbes states, “we can’t just talk the talk; we have to walk the walk (Forbes, 2023).” By valuing individual differences, you can create a path of excellence in leadership and DE&I initiatives. Leading inclusivity in every avenue you embark on can pave the way to successful DE&I initiatives that aid in the attraction of supportive and inclusive collaborators and peers. Leading inclusivity can be done by displaying inclusive behavior, creating an open dialogue in the spaces you lead, and building this topic as something that is emphasized by those around you. You can display inclusive behavior by modeling respect in group settings, creating an open dialogue by using active listening and encouraging feedback, and emphasize inclusivity by promoting inclusive events and educating yourself and others.
This Women’s History Month offers a powerful opportunity to not only celebrate the monumental achievements of Women throughout history, but also to take meaningful and proactive initiatives towards a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive future. By becoming knowledgeable about DEI, advocating for yourself and others, changing the conversation, and leading with inclusivity, you can contribute to shaping an environment that focuses on growth and prosperity. Let’s continue to contribute to spaces that honor these initiatives while also encompassing the resources of the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills and focusing on professional growth through implementing NACE’s career competencies.
