Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
To me, diversity, equity, and inclusion are much more than buzzwords. As the United States continues to diversify, it is essential that we focus on how to design, develop, and deliver programs and services in an accessible way. Specifically, my writing, research, and practice focus on embedding social equity in bureaucratic processes and developing culturally intelligent solutions to problems plaguing communities. By embedding social equity in practice, policies, and research we ensure that racially, ethnically, and gender diverse communities are not excluded from receiving services and can access the knowledge and resources needed to thrive. As an interdisciplinary scholar with graduate training in both social work and public administration, diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential components of all of my professional activities.
DEI in the Classroom
As part of my preparation for the classroom, I developed various techniques for connecting with students of diverse backgrounds. This included workshops focusing on first-generation college students, developing visuals and class documents that are easily accessible for students needing classroom accommodations, and managing conflict in the classroom, among others. Additionally, my teaching preparation included using a variety of didactic techniques to connect with students and be able to easily adapt class content for students needing accommodations.
During my work with NC State's Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity, I led and developed workshops for large groups on a variety of topics. These topics included identifying and overcoming conscious and unconscious biases, exploring dimensions of personal identity, understanding the identities of others, engaging in cross-cultural communication, identifying and responding to microaggressions, and understanding privilege, among others. I use this knowledge in the classroom to ensure that all students are learning and engaging in a safe environment. Embedding these principles in the classroom and utilizing a Restorative Pedagogy (using classroom circles for community building, dialogue, and reflection) allows me to help prepare future professionals for serving racially, ethnically, and gender-diverse populations.
DEI in Writing and Research
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of my dissertation which focuses on the administrative burdens associated with police complaint processes. By understanding the consequences of administrative burdens on diverse populations and how various processes increase experienced burdens, my work aims to reduce inequities associated with interacting with law enforcement. My research serves to advance our understanding of the barriers impacting diverse populations by focusing on exactly how communities are discouraged or excluded from bureaucratic processes. By developing a framework for understanding how burdens impact populations in different ways, I provide a framework for understanding how diverse groups are excluded from processes and applications for government services to make recommendations for improving access to goods and services.