Black Lives Matter. Full Stop.

It's been a while, I know. I had set an intention for the month of May to focus on reflection and how to emerge from this time of PAUSE that the quarantine created. It turns out that there is much more to learn, about myself and about racism in America, and it looks like the virus is going to give us quite a bit longer for reflection.

Mother Nature has sent us to our rooms to think about what we've done.

Now is the time to focus on creating meaningful change, both within and for the larger community, in ways that are truly just and equitable. 

As an introvert, my way of contributing is to go within, absorb all that I can about the details and perspectives surrounding something, and then return with my insights. Every day I've found that there's quite a lot more to absorb, and this has definitely (and purposefully) slowed my ability to turn around into outward-facing actions. I will say that it's been less about silence and more about active listening and curiosity. Re-educating myself on everything I thought I already knew about social injustices in America as a whole, my local region, and my own piece in the puzzle is a huge undertaking. It's quite overwhelming - where to start?

What can one person possibly do to help?

Every time I feel that overwhelm and powerlessness of these questions, I do my best to pause, breathe, and remember that true change begins within. We change the world by changing ourselves. It's why I believe so strongly in the power of coaching, and why I love facilitating personal transformations.

My mission remains the same: to create a work environment that works for EVERYONE in STEM, one person at a time. My lived experience means that I have the most perspective on being a white woman in these fields, but it also means that I need to do the work, and am continuing to do the work to understand how best to serve those for whom the industry has failed. Black and indigenous women of color are especially marginalized in the STEM fields, and all of us suffer for that disparity. Innovation comes from the diversity of ideas and perspectives - for our country to thrive, we must make meaningful changes. 

Anti-racism Resources

I am not Jeff Bezos with a zillion dollars and thousands of employees to force big changes for many people or buy the influence of those in power. Nor am I the VP of anything or a US senator on a labor committee to create sweeping changes tomorrow. 

I am a coach. And I am damn determined to do everything in my power to lift up others so that together we create an avalanche of unstoppable change. 

What has this time of reflection uncovered for you? 

Discuss in the comments below!