WIB-RTP: Inside Look – The Journey of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

On Wednesday, March 13, the RTP chapter of Women In Bio hosted a panel to discuss Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

Programs Co-Chair Raquel Martinez Chacin introduced the event, and Jessica Sorrentino, our Vice Chair, presented our overview of WIB and the RTP chapter. Heidi Giusto hosted warming WIB welcome remarks before turning it over to our moderator, Eugene Lofton, and speakers. The panelists were:

• Leesa Hill, Human Capital & DEIB Leader at LEAD3R
• Sarah Chick, Program Director at NPower North Carolina
• Tamara Terry, Director of Academic Research Engagement at RTI International
• Tiffany Sturdivant, a DEIB Coach and Consultant

The panel shared their truths about the work they are committed to and discussed what DEIB means. The key highlights were:

• Be your authentic self
• Show up authentically
• Use your position of power to advocate for yourself and others
• Call out performative actions and organizations
• Be mindful of the language used, such as the difference between “cultural add” and “cultural fit”
• Be an individual contributor to help change the world in baby steps! Use your voice!
• Know when it is time to leave the table! Be brave!

Eugene Lofton was the moderator for the evening and helped lead a powerful discussion. The panelists mentioned influential individuals in the DEI space, such as Jennifer Tardy, Kimberle Crenshaw, and Myisha T. Hill, who are resources for anybody looking to continue or start their DEI journey. This was a successful discussion where the audience was engaged, inspired, seen, heard, and safe. At the end of the panel, there was a Q&A session where the audience was very engaged and asked really great questions! Raquel Martinez Chacin closed the session by highlighting key discussion points during the panel and future relevant WIB-RTP events. The cherry on top was the group picture at the stage to wrap up the event! 

Submitted by Julianne Bove