Episode 40: I tried to break up with DEI

In this episode, I reflect on my long, complicated relationship with DEI: the promise, the disappointment, the fatigue, and the deeper purpose underneath it all. What began as formal diversity work inside an institution eventually became something much more personal: a way of understanding justice, dignity, opportunity, and the barriers families face inside systems. I share how early DEI work taught me that organizations often reveal their true commitment through resources, access, and influence. I also explore what happens when the language of DEI becomes politically charged, when people quietly distance themselves from the work, and when the principles still matter even if the labels change. At its core, this episode is not just about DEI as a department, title, or acronym. It is about whether we still believe in fairness, equal protection, belonging, and the possibility of becoming a better nation. Next steps:  To continue learning and move beyond surface-level conversations, engage with Skin DEEP: The History of Child Welfare by Race, an online course and workshop designed to help professionals, organizations, and community partners understand how race has shaped the family and child welfare system. Visit www.skindeepcw.com or email info@skindeepcw.com to learn more.