SOCIETY NEWS Introducing Sarah Sims: BSA’s New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Outreach Programs Coordinator
teacher, staff, and volunteer professional development; and trauma-informed practices. She has a decade of experience in the nonprofit and culture sectors, including prior work with member societies. Sarah will spend the majority of her time working on our Botany and Beyond: PLANTS III grant as well as on other BSA diversity initiatives. We wanted to introduce Sarah to the BSA community! Sarah, what motivated you to apply for the DEI position at the BSA? Most of my professional experience has been within the field of museum education (art and history museums, specifically.) As my career grew, I sought out a lot of my own professional development. I’ve always been a big believer in the value of professional growth, and I specifically wanted to learn more about issues of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI); my own racial identity and how that affects my presence in work settings; as well as how institutions, programs, and groups are affected by the legacies of colonialism, white supremacy, and hetero patriarchy. These experiences with self-reflection and growth led me to seek involvement
We would like to welcome Sarah Sims (she/her/ hers) in the newly created position of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Outreach Programs Coordinator for the BSA! She comes to us from a background in art and history museums. Her career spans diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion programming and training; museum education; inquiry-based teaching; 99
