Ep. 170: Ep. 170: Fostering Sisterhood Cross Culturally w/ Kimberlee Yolanda Williams
EQ: How can white women and women of color actively work towards a sisterhood that furthers a more inclusive and equitable society?
In this episode of IWL, Kimberlee Yolanda Williams, co-founder Engaging Across Differences, unpacks her recent book "Dear White Women, Please Come Home: hand me your bias and I’ll show you are connection”. The book explores the concept of being seen and centered, the idealization of sisterhood, microaggressions, and the search for genuine connections. Looking ahead, Kimberlee shares her hopes for changes in conversations around race, sisterhood, and equity. She envisions positive change and recommends resources for deeper exploration of the topics. The discussion wraps up with a mention of Kimberlee's new book project and information about Engaging Across Differences' offerings.
Related Sources:
Kimberlee’s Instagram Page
Do Your Fudging Homework:
Hope: In the new year, recommit to learning and unlearning…to being part of the greater sisterhood.
Kimberlee: Look out for those moments happening around you and develop a toolkit for what to say–to interrupt the moment that is happening in front of you. Become part of my second book project! Send a message to women of color.
Ep. 153: The DEIJ Collaborative--Working Towards Justice In International Schools
EQ: What does social justice and education work look like in international spaces?
We jumped back overseas with today’s conversations, meeting with international educators Meredith Klein and Sherri Spelic. This is a very education centered conversation but we hope there’s a gem of thought for every listener. Throughout the episode we unpack various education acronyms such as CEESA and AEILOC. We hear the origin story of the Diversity Collaborative they started and the ways they hope it will impact teaching and learning across Europe.
Lastly, if you are interested in reaching out you can connect with Meredith via LinkedIn, follow Sheri @edifiedlistener, sign up for her newsletter Bending The Arc, or snag a copy of her book of essays Care At The Core
Champagne & Real Pain
🥂 AEILOC & Kevin Simpson
🥂Angeline Aow and her book Becoming a Totally Inclusive School
Do Your Fudging Homework:
Hope: Sign up for Bending The Arc
Megan: Connect to others that can help you be accountable to the work
Sherri: Worry less about knowing and get into learning (where can I learn about that? With whom can I learn about that?)
Meredith: DEI Deconstructed by Lily Zheng
Ep. 140: On Making Space for Trauma & Grief in DEI Work
EQ: What is the role of brain science and psychology in creating more inclusive organizations?
Guest: Noor Awad, a “brain science and psychology” student, a corporate diversity and inclusion specialist, and the founder of Homegrown Palestine @homegrownpalestine
This conversation took surprising turns as we discussed grief, trauma, creating inclusive spaces and how listening to the stories of others is a chance for healing and community building. We hope you will find some encouragement and comfort in this episode.
Do Your Fudging Homework:
Noor: to understand generational trauma check out Dr. Gabor Mate
Megan: Do the work—get therapy
Ep. 123: The Scoop on Relationship & Sex Education at Home & Abroad
EQ: What is the importance of Sex Education in both the US and abroad, and how can you ensure equity for all students in the curriculum delivered?
Guest: Emily Zien, a health and physical education teacher. Please check out her website for more information.
In our third episode centering international schools, we chat with Emily about her work as a relationships and sexual education educator. We begin by learning about the present landscape, comparing what this work looks like in the United States and in the International School scene. We also discuss the role of DEIJ in shaping these conversations, how we can ensure equity in the curriculum and how child “safe guarding” is a growing field that opens the door for revamping school policies.
Do you Fudging HW:
Megan: Look into what you can do for the new policies Greg Abbott is doing in Texas.
Emily: Protecting children by developing an effective sex and relationship (SRE) program in international schools; Book Bans and Controversy in the Classroom? Sex Ed Teachers Have Been Here Before
Hope: Change our language to be more inclusive and representative of the shifts in this field—use relationships and sex education.
Ep. 118: Combating Moral Panics At School Board Meetings
EQ: How can School District Leaders manage and respond to moral panics of the moment, particularly around DEI/CRT?
Guest: Wendy Smith our guest from Episode 111: Back to School, Go to School Board Meetings!
In this episode, we catch up with Vancouver School board chair, Wendy Smith. We discuss her recent election win and related lessons. We pickup our conversation about current issues facing school districts across the nation, particularly what it’s like serving a diverse range of community needs and constant pressures from various stakeholders. Wendy shares the process for the VPS equity audit and the implications for the district.
Related Resources:
Do Your Fudging Homework:
Hope: Reach out to an educator and offer a word of encouragement or support
Megan: Email an educator and let them know you see them
Wendy: The Daily’s series “School Board Wars”