The Gift of Inclusion

Dawn R. Rosemond

Partner, Director of Diversity, Professional Development & Inclusion

THE GIFT OF INCLUSION

According to renowned diversity and inclusion strategist, Vernā Meyers, Vice President, Inclusion Strategy for Netflix, Inc., “Diversity is being invited to the party; Inclusion is being asked to dance.”® I was invited to my first dance party in 8th grade. For some reason, the powers that were at that time thought it was a great idea to cap off the annual 8th grade field trip to Washington, D.C., by treating we uber-awkward teenagers to a dance. The experience did not disappoint as I (by my own estimation, the most awkward of them all), sat on the sidelines watching the cool kids dance and have fun. I was invited to the party yet felt totally invisible. That all changed when my science teacher, Mr. Dew, asked me to “cut a rug”; he actually said that. Anyway, setting aside what being asked to dance by my teacher says about my social standing at the time, the fact that Mr. Dew saw me, meant everything to me in that moment. I did not appreciate it then, but what Mr. Dew gave me was the “gift of inclusion.”

I was reminded of this childhood experience while putting this publication together. Since it’s the last one of the year (indeed, of the decade), and reflection is top of mind, we thought what better way to end 2019, than to focus on this “gift” if you will, and on the powerful and lasting positive impact such breeds. As you will see in the pages to come, the “gift of inclusion” breeds many things – “consciousness” per my teammate Jim Leonard, “validation” per my teammate Alma Martinez, “belonging” per my teammate Mark Kittaka. And from our deliberate efforts to support our talent through Project Keymaker (our signature sponsorship program), “respect” emerges. More, you’ll hear from some corporate champions and Barnes & Thornburg alumni on what the “gift of inclusion” means to them.

The “gift of inclusion” I got from Mr. Dew bred in me a sense “worth.” I carry it with me to this day. In fact, I ran into Mr. Dew a few years back and told him as much; his decision not to leave me on the sidelines way back then changed my life. In an open letter prior to joining Netflix, Vernā Meyers encouraged all who share her vision for a more diverse and equitable world to “please keep dancing.” I think that sums it up nicely and captures the spirit of this winter edition. So, “please keep dancing!” That is, please do and keep doing whatever you can to foster inclusion within your sphere of influence. It may not seem like a big deal to you now, but take it from me (a former kid on the sidelines), being seen – being included – is everything! Happy New Year. Enjoy!