We all want something in our life or in this world to change. For many, we want change only if it does not impact our life, our job, our career, our family. Change, does not occur quickly. Why? It could be Fear, doubt, and distrust. The major Fear is we will be losing something. Fear drives decisions. Fear drives people to vote. Fear causes stagnation even when it is apparent change is needed. Before change can occur, we must uncover and address the root cause of the fear. This will require leaders with a strategy and an understanding of history.
Meet my Guest: Dr. ClauDean Kizart
My guest is Dr. ClauDean Kizart – better known as Dr. K. She is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Tidewater Community College. A native of Chicago and mother of two school aged children, she has worked in the field of education for over 24 years in various capacities. Prior to her position at Tidewater Community College, she was an Equity and Literacy trainer for the State of Missouri and worked closely with the Office of Student Affairs at St. Louis Community College to close achievement gaps, specifically among first generation college students and other historically disadvantaged student populations. She has dedicated her life to providing data informed equitable solutions.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
✔️ The Importance of DEI Work: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial components that ensure diverse backgrounds and identities are respected, fairness and access to resources are provided, and inclusive environments are created where everyone feels valued.
✔️ Personal Journey and Compassion: Dr. K's journey, marked by academic struggles and the support of mentors, taught her compassion and empathy—qualities essential in DEI work for understanding and addressing the diverse needs of individuals.
✔️ Historical Context and Evolution: DEI work has evolved from the civil rights movement's focus on equality to a broader emphasis on equity and inclusion, recognizing the importance of fairness and creating inclusive environments.
✔️Strategies for Promoting DEI: Effective DEI strategies include comprehensive training programs to foster understanding, clear policies that are inclusive of diverse backgrounds, and involving diverse communities in decision-making processes to ensure their perspectives are represented.
💡 Discussion Points:
- The Human Imperative of DEI: Organizations must prioritize DEI as a core value, recognizing the tangible benefits it brings to various sectors.
- Personal Experiences Shaping Professional Insights: Personal journeys, such as Dr. K's, significantly influence one's approach to DEI work and highlight the importance of supporting first-generation college students.
- Shifting Focus from Equality to Equity and Inclusion: Understanding the differences between equality, equity, and inclusion is crucial for ensuring that efforts are not just equal but equitable and inclusive.
- Effective Strategies and Approaches: Best practices for DEI include developing and implementing inclusive policies, gathering and utilizing feedback from diverse communities, and continuously adapting strategies to address ongoing challenges.
Watch Episode:
More about ClauDean
Prior to her position at Tidewater Community College, she was an Equity and Literacy trainer for the State of Missouri and worked closely with the Office of Student Affairs at St. Louis Community College to close achievement gaps, specifically among first generation college students and other historically disadvantaged student populations. Dr. Kizart’s teaching and professional development experience, in both the elementary and post-secondary sector of education, as well as her doctoral research has helped her become an emerging professional in providing data informed equitable solutions that make a positive IMPACT in higher education.
