EP 224: Dr. Kira Banks

The Other 50%

Today we are kicking off our series of talking with experts who work in various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion across industries and in the entertainment industry specifically. First up is Dr. Kira Banks. DEI work is "so hard" in entertainment and it's also "not hard at all." What's the deal? And why is it so hard for an industry who sees themselves as such good people to face the systemic racism they are swimming in?

Dr. Banks' decades of experience allow her to make complex and controversial topics accessible in schools, communities, institutions of higher education and corporations. She co-founded the Institute for Healing Justice and Equity at St. Louis University, where she has a professor in the Department of Psychology.

In addition, she has published over 20 articles in peer reviewed publications. And she has contributed to the Harvard Business Review, the Atlantic and the Guardian. She received her BA from Mount Holyoke College where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and her MA and PhD are from the University of Michigan.

Today, Dr. Banks has a podcast called "Raising Equity" to support adults in talking to kids about systems of oppression. She's also a co-principal of the Mouse and the Elephant, which develops customized curriculum to meet organizations' long-term needs.

On a personal note, I have learned a tremendous amount from Dr. Banks and I am thrilled she agreed to do this podcast, and I'm so excited for you to get to meet her and hear what she has to say.