Challenging the Status Quo: Unveiling Surface Saturation in DEI ft Nicole Vazquez

Living Out Loud Discussion Series

In a world where diversity, equity, and inclusion have become buzzwords, my chat with Nicole Vazquez is timely as we challenge the status quo. Brace yourself for an honest account of the dark side of surface-level approaches in DEI work. Prepare to be awakened, as we expose the uncomfortable truth behind the shallow efforts that have become what most businesses now expect. Are you ready to delve into the depths of transformative change, or will you choose to stay adrift on the surface?

In this episode, you will be able to:

✅ Gain a deeper understanding of surface saturation in DEI work and how to navigate it effectively.

✅ Discover the performativity in DEI efforts and learn how to move beyond surface-level actions to drive meaningful change.

✅ Explore the concept of interest convergence and its significance in DEI work, unlocking new strategies for transformative change.

✅ Learn how to navigate the co-opting and watering down of DEI terms, ensuring the integrity of your DEI efforts.

✅ Enhance your DEI training with nuanced examples that challenge assumptions and encourage critical thinking for lasting impact.

The guest for this episode is Nicole Vazquez

With her extensive knowledge and experience in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Nicole brings a fresh and innovative approach to the table. As a professor, she challenged traditional teaching methods, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that left a lasting impact on her students. Nicole's unique background as an Afro Latinx, queer, cis-woman, fluent in both English and Spanish, gives her a perspective and expertise that's needed in this work. With her Master of Social Work and Master of Public Policy degrees, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to help DEI practitioners navigate the challenges of surface-level approaches and drive transformative change.

One of My Fav Moments 🧡 Interest Convergence and White Supremacy Culture

Interest convergence is a theory that racial progress comes at a point when interests of the dominant white group align with the needs of marginalized racial groups. This interest alignment becomes problematic when they converge only to serve the majority's benefits. At the same time, White Supremacy Culture forms the backdrop, privileging white people and Western norms. The challenge lies in identifying and acknowledging these structures within your organization, addressing and working through them consciously. Charmaine Utz identifies with this. She believes DEI goes beyond mere productivity and profitability, advocating for workers' experiences and welfare. Nicole, in solidarity with Utz, calls out hierarchical thinking, emphasizing the importance of frontline workers. They both critique the practices where DEI work is regarded as separate to regular business practices and urge organizations to view it as integral to their overall success.

Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!

• http://www.livingunapologetically.com

• http://www.youtube.com/@livingunapologetically

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-utz-lcsw/

• http://www.instagram.com/theunapologetictherapist/

• http://www.facebook.com/livingunapologeticallyservices/

• https://twitter.com/LivingDEI

To get in touch with Nicole Vazquez, you can contact her here:

• https://www.instagram.com/amoradelante/

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Setting the Stage,
00:01:47 - Nicole's Unique Teaching Approach,
00:03:54 - Explaining Surface Saturation,
00:06:15 - Interest Convergence and White Supremacy Culture,
00:10:44 - Widely Shared Not Knowing What to Do,
00:16:34 - The Importance of Doing the Deep Work on Race and Intersectionality,
00:17:48 - The Challenges of Doing the Deep Work,
00:19:33 - Overcoming Resistance and Blame,
00:21:41 - Integrating DEI into Business Practices,
00:26:24 - Focusing on Employee Experience,
00:32:27 - The Importance of Authenticity in Work,
00:33:14 - Setting Clear Expectations,
00:34:01 - Challenging White Supremacy Culture,
00:34:49 - Purpose-Driven Work Over Financial Gain,
00:37:35 - Internal Self-Reflection and Stepping Back,
00:48:19 - The Internal Response to Feedback,
00:49:55 - The Responsibilities of Leaders,
00:51:19 - Example of Denial and Dismissal,
00:55:10 - The Significance of Self Work,
00:58:24 - Normalizing the Human Experience,