Shakti Training

Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a calculated effort by the new administration to sensationalize and weaponize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). But behind the headlines and political rhetoric lies a deeper truth: DEI isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s essential for business success and societal progress.

In this article, I break down:
✅ What DEI really is- and why it matters
✅ The solid business case for DEI
✅ The most common myths about DEI—and facts to debunk them
✅ How we can take this moment to move DEI forward

Misinformation about DEI is widespread and will continue to spread through politics, media, and public discourse. If you are frustrated by the attacks on DEI- stay informed, challenge false narratives, and push back with facts.
Read the full article here ⬇️

DEI Exposed: Beyond Sensationalism and Weaponization The backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is nothing new, but the current wave of politicization and misinformation is…

👋🏽 As a DEI and Anti-racism practitioner with 20 years of experience, I collaborate with organizations across various industries to develop and lead capacity-building educational experiences, coaching sessions, and strategic consulting. My offerings are designed to equip employees at all levels to co-create meaningful and sustainable culture change.

My areas of expertise include:

Intercultural Intelligence: With a background in Intercultural Communication, which was the focus of my graduate studies, I have been teaching and training on this topic for two decades.

Inclusive Leadership: I have a long standing commitment to leadership development and am currently partnering with Kellogg School Center for Nonprofit Management at Northwestern University, where I teach and coach on this subject.

Anti-racism: I specialize in cultivating racially inclusive teams and organizations and encouraging BIPOC to examine our own complicity in perpetuating systems of racism and oppression.

Keynote Speaking: Leveraging over 20 years of teaching public speaking in Higher Education, I deliver engaging, action-oriented interactive keynotes that spark transformation. Check out my website to explore the topics I regularly address. (I still have a few openings for month!)

If you’re interested in learning more about my services and how I collaborate with organizations, visit Shakti Diversity and Equity Training’s website at the link in my bio and feel free to DM me here!

📸 by TEMBO TONES, LLC

Today was the first time I taught a face to face class since Covid forced the world to shut down. After four years of teaching fully online, today is a momentous day and one that reminded me why fell in love with teaching college students.

Education unlocks our potential and I’m so grateful I get to be part of this transformative process. I just met these students tonight but I’m already so proud of them. ♥️

MLK’s commitment and effectiveness in challenging and disrupting racial and economic injustice posed such a threat to the engineered systemic discrimination that has always ensured that certain Americans are advantaged over others that it led to his murder and untimely death.

Similarly, we have seen those in power who are threatened by the social change and the upward mobility of minoritized Americans make decisions that will help reverse the racial equality progress that has been slowly made over the last several decades.

The Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions, banning books that dare to truth tell and create representation of minoritized identities, the banning of teaching African American history, the legislation that prohibits DEI education, DEI statements, and DEI positions in Higher Ed are all examples of this. For those of us working towards a more inclusive, equitable, and antiracist society- the politicization and backlash against DEI and anti-racism can be disheartening and disempowering BUT we must stay committed to our causes and to our work- just as Dr. King did.

Dr. King and his legacy reminds me that it’s imperative to use our voice, influence, privilege, and power to speak up and out against injustices happening in our workplaces, our communities, and in our larger society, regardless of the criticisms or pushback we may receive. I’m grateful to Dr. King for teaching me so much and helping me to understand that “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

Artwork by my 9 year old son, Jhazper. ♥