Beyond DEI

Building Indigenous-Black solidarity is essential for confronting the interconnected systems of colonialism, slavery, and racial capitalism that have historically oppressed both communities. By recognizing shared struggles while honoring distinct identities, organizational leaders can foster deeper trust, accountability, and transformative change. This solidarity creates space for collective healing and liberation, rooted in mutual respect and justice. Join us for an in-depth conversation with Elissa Sloan Perry and Aja Couchois Duncan of Change Elemental, along with Ámate Perez of Latinx Racial Equity Project, who will all share valuable insights and experiences from working to build solidarity between Indigenous and Black communities.

In this episode, we talk with Laura Morgan Roberts, organizational psychologist and author, about her article, 'DEI Hires Don’t Lower the Bar. They Raise It.' Together, we take on the myth that marginalized groups "cheat" the hiring process, and reveal why it's homogeneity—not diversity—that truly lowers the bar. Roberts breaks down how we can flip the narrative, turning the "DEI hire" label into a badge of honor, while sharing the “four freedoms” we need to thrive at work.

Join host Kerrien Suarez and guest Maggie Potapchuk as they explore the heart and future of Racial Equity Tools (RET) with Equity In The Center (EIC)! Maggie shares the vision behind RET, the largest free online library of racial equity resources, and why EIC is the perfect partner. They discuss the progress made despite conservative pushback, how building relationships and connecting with values are critical in moving beyond transactional DEI initiatives, and the need for philanthropy to take action.

Building a Race Equity Culture™ isn’t just about individual change—it's about coming together for collective action and support. Host Kerrien Suarez sits down with Dr. Raquel Gutierrez, Founder and CEO of Blue Agave Partners, and Ericka Hines, JD, Principal of Every Level Leadership, to chat about how doing this work as a community brings in diverse perspectives and shared experiences. Together, they explore how this approach leads to more holistic and lasting change.

In our first episode of the Beyond DEI* podcast, we take you back to where it all began with Equity In The Center. Join our host, Kerrien Suarez, as she chats with Herna Cruz-Louie, EIC VP of Operations, and Niki Jagpal, EIC Executive VP. We'll talk about why we decided to launch this podcast now, how we can support each other amidst racial equity and DEI backlash, and the ways we're working to transform mindsets, practices, and systems to create a Race Equity Culture™.