To ensure inclusion and reduce inequalities, I work towards challenging stereotypes, avoiding making assumptions and biases, and proactively seek educational resources to learn about current societal issues. Challenging stereotypes requires us to be self-aware and reflect on how our culture and social identity inform our own perspectives. Being inclusive in our daily lives also means using inclusive language that shows respect and value for the people whom we are speaking with. It is also important to encourage people on our teams to share their ideas, perspectives, and experiences by giving credit where it is due and recognizing people for the specific contributions that they make. It is also our responsibility to be more inclusive through active listening and learning.

To reduce inequalities and ensure inclusive spaces, an intersectional approach needs to be adopted in policies, programs, and conversations as well as at an individual level. This begins with self-reflection and challenging our own biases and how they influence our interactions. As we reflect, we can talk daily about intersectionality with family, community members, and within our organizations. Within these conversations, we can interrogate the norms, values, and practices that are ingrained in culture, which contribute to the inequalities that those around us face.