Encouragement

Taking steps with DEI can be hard work. Plus it’s not really the market for instant gratification. So how do you keep motivated?

It’s an easy trap to fall into. You’re spending a ton of energy spreading awareness of inequity issues, being a great ally, and working to revise policies. But when you take a second to look around, you don’t see any change. You still see a disparity in representation in leadership roles. You still have to brace against the microaggressions. You think the needle hasn’t moved at all, and you feel discouraged.

If you’re feeling this way, may I suggest a shift in mindset? We don’t have control over how other people or how the world changes around us, but we do have control over the actions we take.

We should all aim to gauge success on how many steps you take to make your community, your company, your field, and/or the world a better place. I provided support to my colleagues. I took time to write blog posts on the topic. I volunteered to present on unconscious bias and allyship to the Young Professionals Steering Committee. I watched the “Picture a Scientist” documentary and watched an associated panel discussion. I’m proud of myself for finding ways to educate myself and others, for doing the important work of being an ally, and for prioritizing DEI work in my life. I would love to see a visible change or big tangible wins, but I’m encouraged daily by all the steps I’m taking for myself, for my friends/colleagues, and for those who’ll come up after me. And I encourage y’all to take some steps with me.