REPRESENTATION. IT MATTERS.
Denaya Shorter
Senior Nonprofit Management. Education. Community Engagement. Climate Action. Zero Waste. Equity & Justice
I spoke to a high school class on Monday about careers. Specifically, about my journey as a black woman in the environmental field. The room was 99% young ladies of color. At the end, one lady raised her hand and exclaimed, "This is not a question, but I think you're really pretty." My heart exploded in my chest. THIS is why I do this. This is why I decided to transition into education and utilize my skills to reach a larger audience. My heart exploded not because I agree that I'm "really pretty" but because I know that the comment came from a place of identity. I was a brown girl like her. Even if for only 10 minutes. And even if she decides against a career in the environmental field. I know that she has seen herself in me and I can only hope that it has also opened her mind to the endless opportunities her future holds.
I've had many similar experiences when I speak to youth in this capacity. "What makeup do you use? My mom has those shoes. I like your hair. My grandma went camping before." The comments/questions are often not relevant to anything I've said, but I recognize that these young people of color are connecting with me in a way that they probably have not been able to with the traditional professionals that they encounter (especially in environmental careers).
As a kid, I remember that a black man hosted America's Funniest Animals on the Animal Planet for a brief time. Though his role was not huge, the image of him is engrained in my mind because I at least knew someone who I could relate to was doing something I aspired to do. It made it seem possible. Attainable. Unfortunately, I don't have many other memories like that.
REPRESENTATION MATTERS! IT MATTERS.
PARTNERSHIPS ? GRANTS ? STRATEGY | Water & Maritime, Infrastructure, Real Estate
4 年Thanks Denaya Shorter for sharing such a wonderful story and lived experience. Having spent my career in the environmental sector, I’ve loved every moment although it has at times felt like a lonely place without the diversity of talents and passionate leaders from all walks of life. Sadly this persists, you only have to look at the senior leadership and board make up to confirm the lack of progress. We can all help encourage more under-represented people to come forward and enrich the causes we care about.