I Should Have Seen This Coming: Women DEI Leaders

I'm disappointed in myself. In 2020, when I began to research the professional, physiological and psychological impacts BIPOC DEI practitioners face in Independent Schools, I didn't imagine that I would watch the phenomenons strike at BIPOC women across so many other industries with the level of boldness we see today. My focus was too narrow.

Even with my knowledge of how systems of oppression and misogynoIr operate, I'm alarmed to know that women who are advocating for the greater good through equity and inclusion are under attack. Our collective eyes are on the BIPOC women leaders in higher education and C-Suite positions who are facing the consequences of existing and having the audacity to do their jobs with conviction and competence.

Despite these daunting challenges, women continue to courageously advocate for change, driven by their unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion. They refuse to be silenced or sidelined, and instead, they use their voices and platforms to uplift marginalized voices, challenge systemic inequalities, and create more equitable workplaces for all.

In this very moment, there are three women in my circle who have stepped away from their DEI related roles because of mental health reasons. The professional challenges we face take a toll on our psychological well-being, leading to feelings of isolation, self-doubt, and burnout. The constant pressure to prove ourselves, the fear of retribution, and the emotional labor of navigating hostile work environments can erode our confidence and sense of self-worth. Moreover, the lack of support and validation from our peers and leaders can exacerbate feelings of alienation and imposter syndrome. All of these things can make us sick.

These are the reasons why I'm reimagining my professional life. These are the reasons why WE Consulting centers our collective humanity and focuses on activism, education and wellness. These are the reasons why I'm coaching, offering retreats and masterclasses that center both justice AND joyous living. I need to be able to be in alignment with my core values and experience an increased sense of psychological and professional safety. I need to be able to pass along the lessons I've learned through my personal experiences, research and professional expertise to others so they have tools to identify and head off detriment.

As people who care about our collective humanity and the lives of the individuals in the collective, we have to understand that the women impacted here are your partners, mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, colleagues and neighbors. Everyone will be impacted in some way by their dis-ease. Because of this, it's time to find ways to stand in solidarity with these women, to amplify their voices, and to advocate for the systemic changes needed to dismantle patriarchal structures and create environments where all individuals can thrive. They must be provided with the support, resources, and affirmation needed to sustain leadership, activism and show up with authenticity, resilience, and grace.

What will your solidarity look like? Who can be your accountability partner? Take the first step and share your thoughts in the comments.