No More Talk Without Action

I’m still reflecting on my first year as a self-employed diversity and inclusion consultant and thought partner.  One thing I have noticed is people and organizations are beginning to swing the pendulum back towards DEI neutrality. What do I mean by this? Most organizations have used the murder of George Floyd as a benchmark for their (re)commitment to addressing racial injustices. However, what has become clear is that these same organizations are slowly returning to business as usual and this highly visible act of violence against another Black man was positioned as a marketing tool for companies to say they are stepping up to do better and create better work environments for all.  However, minoritized folx continue to be harmed, exploited, removed, or worse. My take on this phenomenon is that the people responsible for leading these organizations (and by extension influencing its culture) due so through a White gaze. In doing so, oppressive systems continue and little change occurs.

I am hoping more senior leaders take stock of what changes they’ve actually done to foster equitable environments. HOW ARE YOU ADDRESSING EQUITY beyond data points? How have you come to understand the ways in which oppressive systems continue to create disparities among multiple, oppressed groups? And for the people in the back, how are you truly thinking about anti-Blackness in the workplace? Have you thought about the ways in which you perpetuate racist practices by volunteering (or volun-telling) your racially minoritized employees to do all the emotional and physical labor on behalf of “DEI” with little to no resources or compensation? Have you thought about how you place all the weight of the organization’s DEI initiatives onto people who have historically been oppressed for using their voices to advocate for change? And, have you thought about how you are holding yourselves accountable for the outcomes? Please make it make sense…

I truly encourage senior leaders to sit with these questions. This is not a way to blame, shame, or guilt you into doing better. Rather, it’s an opportunity to take accountability for the role you play in sustaining or dismantling systems that disenfranchise minoritized and marginalized groups. Until people in positions of power (namely, White people) see these connections and make serious changes, you remain a huge part of the oppressive ecosystem. Change happens through collective work and collective action. If you find that you are ready to answer these hard questions but need a thought partner to guide you in your journey, let’s connect.

#inclusion #diversity #equity #access #leadership 

Today I Celebrate One Year as a Full-time Entreprenuer!

LONG POST ALERT! Grab some coffee, tea and read on!

Today I celebrate year ONE!!!! As of August 31st, 2022 I can say that I have been self-employed for one year!!!  Here is a recap of the lessons I learned along the way:

I continue to prove myself right, and I love it here!  I know everyone experienced extreme loss, change, and transition these last few years. I am no exception. However, through it all, I constantly remind myself how much of a boss I am! For the folx who know me, anytime I say I’m going to do something, I do it. Choosing to bet on me as a full-time entrepreneur was no exception. There are so many studies that show why Black women choose to opt out of spaces that create hostile work environments, and it’s disturbing.  Whether you choose to serve in another organization, create your own business, or both, you can do it! Trust me. I’m proof that it can be done! Is it easy? Not always. Is it worth it? Um….Hell yeah! I wish I would have done it sooner. I get to curate a space that allows me to be authentic, genuine, and unapologetically BLACKITY BLACK…Did I mention that I love it here? I LOVE IT HERE!

Family over everything. My husband has been my rock this entire time and continues to inspire, love, and support me. For every time I’ve said, ‘I can’t do this or ‘I should find another job’, he told me that I don’t belong in those spaces right now and my reach is greater as an entrepreneur. Thank you and I love you! Next, I was able to visit home more times than I could count. That would have NEVER been the case if I worked for someone else. My family experienced several hardships over the last two years but we continue to be resilient. To my parents, you did well and raised a brilliant group of children who are now positioned to support you in your times of need. You also make 37 years of marriage look easy and continue to show us how to love each other. To my sisters, yall keep me together at all times. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love all three of yall!  And to my brother, heaven couldn’t wait but I know your spirit continues to live on in all of us. We love you.

Stress doesn’t just stop. I was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. In previous years, I never experienced this condition but knew that due to my familial history, among other existing factors deeply affecting the Black community, it was possible. My body experienced weight gain, hair loss, acne, and hives due to the ongoing stressors I experienced as a Black woman fighting to dismantle oppressive systems over the years. I thought my last attempt to remove that toxicity would immediately result in my body’s renewal. I was wrong. I quickly realized that I carried that same energy into my home and business. The latest revelation landed me in the emergency room. Luckily, I am alive and addressing the issue with my doctor by (re)incorporating movement, better eating habits, water, reduced work and school hours, and accountability. It was a reminder that I need to continue to center a holistic approach to healing, regardless of the space I’m in. Also, go get checked, yall! High blood pressure is a silent killer, and the signs aren’t easily noticeable. I found out from an eye doctor’s appointment. My annual physical wasn’t slated until December. If it wasn’t for my routine eye doc, I may not have made it to December.

Harmony is the goal. After resigning from my last role in higher education, I took the first few months as a self-employed Black woman to do the unthinkable. I rested. I said no. I slept. I cried. I reconnected with my community. I engaged in therapy. I prayed, journaled, and meditated. I cried some more. And then I laughed, slept, rinsed, and repeated it all over! It was a required expectation that I set for myself to begin this new chapter of healing and self-discovery. I have a renewed energy and respect for prioritizing myself first so I can benefit others later. It is a work in progress but I’m learning to shift as needed.

Community can be found everywhere. Not just in the workplace. This last year I was blessed to come across some amazing professionals, both inside and outside of higher education. It was through this community that I was able to experience new perspectives, joy, and purpose. I have a renewed energy to build and strengthen connections with people. To all of my former colleagues and friends, thank you. Your words of affirmation and encouragement continue to resonate with me. I hope that you all are finding joy and peace in your new endeavors and may we always stay connected. As a doctoral student in my last year of research, I found an amazing community of Black scholars. We banter, support, vent, laugh, empower each other, and power through deadlines…And we show up unapologetically Black. There are over 2,000 scholars in this space and we found a virtual community that will transcend beyond the zoom room. Our first in-person meeting for the Black scholars in the Chicagoland area is coming up and I can’t wait. I also found community among other DEI practitioners outside of higher education. These women have been integral in my professional development over the last few months and I look forward to our in-person book discussion next month. I also can’t forget the community I forged through my business.  A mastermind of Black women small business owners. I love them fiercely and I’m grateful for the ways in which they showed me how to exist and empower others again. Next is the newest community at a global consulting firm, by way of a near and dear colleague. Your support led me to an amazing organization that is truly invested in transforming organizations and I’m excited to be a part of the journey.

I.D.E.A.L. Education, LLC is only the beginning. I started consulting in 2017 and made my business official in 2020. At the time, I was only looking to create an additional source of income by leveraging my skills and expertise to help organizations. Since then, my company has evolved beyond my imagination. As of this year, I am on track to exceed last year’s annual income by the end of Q3 and extend my reach to several other school districts, non-profit organizations, and startups. I joined a consulting firm on a contract basis as a senior consultant, and I’m currently completing a proposal for a high 5-figure contract with a school I’ve been serving for years. I’m also expanding my scope of work to empower women of color. Stay tuned for this update more information on this.

This doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the ways in which these last 365 days have changed my life. I only wish to continue this journey of serving others through a season of ease, abundance, and peace. Thank you to everyone that has, and continues, to pour into me. And thank you to all the students, peers, and leaders who chose me to help co-author your journey with #inclusion #diversity #equity #access and #leadership. I only hope to expand my reach in the years to come.

If you made it to the end, I hope that you found something from my reflection on these last 365 days. And if your organization is ready to begin (or continue) its journey with dismantling oppressive systems, consider me!

CHEERS TO ONE!

Stay blessed,

Jasmin M. Robinson (she/her/hers)

CEO and Founder,

I.D.E.A.L. Education, LLC

“We stand for inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and leadership!”