Ep 66: The Business Case for Inclusion: Dr. Jamica Nadina Love on Cultural Add

Dear Dyslexic Podcast

Dive deep into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a trailblazer making waves across the education sector and beyond. Get ready to challenge your perspectives and understand the true power of intersectionality.

Guest Introduction: In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a renowned DEI expert and transformative leader. As the first Chief Diversity Officer at the historic Virginia Military Institute and the founder of Higher Dimensions Consulting LLC, Dr. Love has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive and equitable environments. With a master’s degree in counseling psychology and significant contributions in higher education, she has been recognized as one of Virginia Business News' 100 People to Meet in 2022.

Dr. Love's journey began with a focus on supporting international college women and has since expanded to include pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as Mount Holyoke College and Northeastern University. Her commitment to advocacy, particularly for women and BIPOC individuals, underscores her dynamic speaking and training style, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and organisations alike.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Intersectionality and Labels: Dr. Love unpacks the concept of intersectionality, exploring how various identities intersect and contribute to unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. She explains the significance of understanding these intersections to create more inclusive and supportive environments.

2. The Evolution of DEI: From her early days working with international women at the Showa Boston Institute to her current role in consulting, Dr. Love shares her insights on how DEI initiatives have evolved. She emphasizes the importance of education in embracing diversity and how different identities add value to organizations.

3. Transforming Organizational Culture: Dr. Love discusses the paradigm shift from seeking a "cultural fit" to a "cultural add," advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and growth. She shares practical strategies for organizations to broaden their hiring pools and create a more inclusive culture.

4. Overcoming Fear and Embracing Diversity: Addressing common fears associated with DEI efforts, Dr. Love offers guidance on how individuals and organizations can navigate these challenges. She highlights the importance of thoughtful speech, the impact of unintentional harm, and the need for continuous learning and awareness.

5. Personal and Professional Growth: Reflecting on her own career, Dr. Love shares her motivations and experiences that have shaped her journey. She underscores the value of mentorship, volunteer work, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the DEI field.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, and learn how to transform your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Discover the power of intersectionality and the impact it can have on creating a more equitable and inclusive world.

Tune in now and be part of the change!

A note from our director and podcast host:

I’m Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, brought to you by re:think dyslexia. To keep up-to-date with all our news, sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to your favourite podcast platform, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on the Dear Dyslexic Podcast series.

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