Integrating Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice as a Practitioner in Higher Education

Abstract

Like the stories of many, my story is filled with challenges and triumphs. I am very fortunate in that I learned what I loved doing at an early age and my interests have remained centered on that career. I consider myself a diversity and inclusion educator, and an advocate for social justice. This chapter begins with a series of recollections from my childhood and early education. I believe these experiences to be crucial to my identity development and my eventual pursuit of social justice and diversity work. I will build upon this foundation by discussing my educational experiences, including the development of my career in activism and a failed pursuit of a PhD. In addition, I will openly discuss my personal battle with depression and the courage it took to walk away from a job that I loved. The chapter concludes with a few key takeaways. I hope my story inspires, informs, and even humors you. I share these personal experiences with the sincere hope of helping others.

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. We never get rid of an enemy by meeting hate with hate; we get rid of an enemy by getting rid of enmity. By its very nature, hate destroys and tears down; by its very nature, love creates and builds up. Love transforms with redemptive power.

—Martin Luther King, Jr.