A Deeper Look At Diversity, Equity And Inclusion: Exposing The Reality
In this moment, I stand disillusioned with the realm of Diversity & Inclusion (DEI). Recently, I participated in an interview on a Dutch radio station, discussing my experiences working with bipolar disorder and how organizations often use the DEI label for appearances rather than genuine commitment. It’s reminiscent of a show, akin to “The Muppet Show” – a spectacle that diverts attention from substantive action.
Over the past few months, I devoted my time to the second season of my podcast, ‘The Manic Momboss,‘ in collaboration with TedxAmsterdamWomen. This season featured finalists from the Talent Night, an event I won in 2020, leading to my TEDx Talk at their main event. TedxAmsterdamWomen champions DEI, but my collaboration with them exposed a starkly different reality.
Last year, their main event centered on supporting Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. Volunteers from TEDxKyiv were brought in, and the event was awash in yellow and blue, echoing the Ukrainian flag. This year, as the Palestinian genocide unfolded, TedxAmsterdamWomen’s theme was already set: “Decoding the Future,” with a dark-skinned woman as the poster figurehead.
During Talent Night, I had the privilege of awarding my consultancy program, ‘Lioness Leadership,’ to the winner. However, in an unprecedented move, they declared two winners, leaving me perplexed by the lack of communication and partnership support. Eventually, I had to terminate the collaboration due to my own mental health, but I maintain contact with the winners.
One of these winners, Lauriane Almeda, shared her experience of racial diversity in the fashion industry as a model of color. Surprisingly, she didn’t speak at the main event; instead, another woman of color addressed the audience. Was this a mere coincidence, or did it align with their theme? Given my experience with the organization, I lean toward the latter.
Reflecting on my 2020 win, where I raised awareness about mental health with my TEDx Talk, “Bipolar is My Strength,” it becomes apparent that timing played a significant role. Mental health was a hot topic during the pandemic, and it was fitting for their agenda.
My own experience and that of others, like Tammy Parrish, my former stylist who severed ties with TedxAmsterdamWomen in 2021, indicate that white privilege persists within such organizations. In an upcoming podcast episode, Tammy and I delve into this issue, discussing her transition from the United States to the Netherlands and the persistence of white privilege in Dutch organizations.
This examination of TedxAmsterdamWomen’s journey is a microcosm of the broader discourse surrounding DEI. It underscores the significance of authentic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, not just in organizational rhetoric but in concrete actions. In times of crisis and injustice, actions must transcend mere words, reflecting a genuine dedication to effecting change.
