The diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) industry has largely been co-opted by corporate interests that seek to manage rather than eliminate oppression. My approach centers liberation and abolition rather than inclusion within existing oppressive systems — “the master’s tools will not dismantle the master’s house.”
Drawing from critical race theory, intersectionality, and anti-oppression organizing, I work with organizations ready to dismantle systems of domination rather than simply diversify them.
Ready to move beyond performative DEI to structural transformation?
Contact me to discuss liberation-centered approaches to organizational equity.
The Problem with Corporate DEI
The mainstream DEI industry often serves corporate interests by creating the appearance of change while maintaining fundamental power structures that perpetuate inequality. This approach can actually harm marginalized communities by extracting their labor while avoiding systemic transformation.
Corporate DEI typically:
- Focuses on representation without addressing power distribution
- Emphasizes cultural competency while ignoring structural racism and other oppressions
- Creates diversity roles without providing actual authority to make changes
- Measures success through metrics that don’t reflect lived experiences of marginalized people
- Treats symptoms rather than addressing root causes of organizational oppression
My Approach: Actual Liberation Over Performative Pandering
Following Black feminist and liberation movement principles, my DEI work focuses on transforming systems rather than helping marginalized people succeed within oppressive structures.
- Institutional inequity audits examining how white supremacy operates in policies and practices
- Economic justice analysis understanding how class oppression intersects with other forms of marginalization, leading to gaps in pay and promotions
- Gender and sexuality analysis examining heteronormativity and cisnormativity in organizational systems
- Ableism assessment identifying barriers to disabled people’s full participation
Community-Centered Transformation
- Marginalized community leadership development as part of Strategic Planning
- Collective action strategies for building power among marginalized workers, with a deep understanding of Labor Rights and Ethics
- Creating culture through multi-pronged approaches, from HR Policy Development, Executive & Leadership Coaching, LGBTQ+ Competency Training, and more.
Specialized Areas of Focus
- Economic Justice and Class Analysis
- Gender and Sexual Justice
- Educational Institutions
- Nonprofits
- Faith Communities
Resources for Continued Learning
Begin the conversation about liberation-centered DEI transformation.
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