Everything I need to know about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) I learned from village children.

"Mzungu!" As much as Asa bristles at the sound of laughter and this word, the literal translation is "wanderer" and used socially to mean "white person." He wants to know what is so funny. He questions why people stare at him, pointing and running. I believe every person should experience being alone, being different, being a minority in an active way.

Why does this matter? Our unconscious bias is easily demonstrated - I have to hip check myself routinely in certain ways; if I were not intentional, and could not relate to those around me my ability to serve, work, love and communicate effectively would be lessened. We worked out today with a young boys soccer team, surrounded by goats chewing on the bags; enjoying stretching in red dirt. We do not have running water, the power is out. I took my guilty transportation pleasure (motor bike) to town, to the pointed shouting of Asa's least favorite word - MZUNGU.

I love this new reality - every moment. Grateful to observe, feel and express what is different, what is real. I lived years being numb to this, worried about whether I was going to achieve my American Airlines executive status or not, focused on material accolades. Woof - where was my head, my heart?

Our first day in the village we pulled up to an orphanage - the kids all sang "we are happy to meet you, we are happy to see you" while effortlessly dancing, smiling, truly seeing and greeting us. Wow. Powerful.

What is diversity?

Diversity is the presence of differences within a given setting.

Why does this matter? Life is episodic, life is sometimes static despite our best efforts to be a force of movement. We will never be in control or be the majority at all times, diversity helps us relate to others in ways that better humanity, better ourselves, better all those around us.

What is equity?

Equity is the act of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual.

Why does this matter? Quick anecdote: I will never forget trying to launch a corporate "diversity in thought" process years a go, think Sheryl Sandberg era. What does a former military middle aged white man in Human Resources say to a diverse group of largely women attempting this? "No." It might suggest this is a problem. He also referred to his daughter as having a "resting bitch face" in a public corporate setting, so there is that. Wow. Equity is the beauty of knowing that while the word Mzungu might seem foreign to us, the intent is GOOD. The waving and laughter is kind. The happiness to receive us, stating "you are welcome" is authentic. We have the same chance to thrive as anyone, despite being the minorities - not sure US can say that about all people. We are grateful to be equitable participants in this community.

Inclusion is the practice of ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging in the workplace. This means that every employee feels comfortable and supported by the organization when it comes to being their authentic selves.

Why does this matter? I care about your kids, I hope I get to tell them bad jokes. I hope we visit someplace strange and share authentic meals and experiences. I hope you trust me when you are down; trust me enough to tell me you need a break. I want to know when you can't turn the camera on, or to quote @DanielShporin, I know what you look like you can keep your camera off. Inclusion is finding your tribe, is being happy, is checking your bias at the door in the effort to create a better outcome.

Our time with the Ugandan kids has level set what we could all learn to better support others - accept, acknowledge joyfully, welcome, love. We are minorities (have not seen a single Mzungu woman...anywhere), we are peers (we have the same access to healthcare, to food, to opportunity) we are part of this community (we serve, we work, we love and laugh.)

Why didn't we do this sooner. #joinus