My life, minus DEI and federally funded programs
Inspired by Jannice Newsom’s recent substack post “My life, minus DEI and federally funded programs,” I have been moved to share my own version. In this moment we find ourselves in American history, it is clearer to me now more than ever how critical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and federally funded programs are to uplift communities. Looking back on my own life experiences, it has been revealing to see how much I have benefitted from such programs and it concerns me to know that the powers that be do not see their inherent value. So, let’s take a step back and see where my life might be without DEI and federal interventions…
A flower child is born in Buffalo, NY. While her family grows fresh veggies in their backyard, her mom relies on the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, to support her child’s nutritional needs. And lucky for her, she lives across the street from a public park where, every day over the summer, she can get a free lunch through Buffalo’s Free Summer Meals program. But imagine a world without these federal programs; she might fall behind on her nutrition.
Lorena’s first summer in her mom’s garden.
She found a love for learning that grew during weekly visits to the public library. This book worm would not have found her love for reading without the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system’s efforts to curate special programming specifically for children to develop their reading skills from a young age. On special days, she would get a visit from the “Lookie Bookie,” a publicly funded mobile library that made stops across the city to bring the library experience directly to children. It’s even where she got her first library card! Without these federally supported initiatives, her love of reading may have dwindled.
As she begins middle school, she gets great news! She received a full, eight year scholarship to attend the top-ranked private school in town. Without their commitment to DEI initiatives, she might not have had the opportunity to earn such an education. As a student, she was granted the opportunity to study Mandarin, and her horizons were broadened as she learned about a completely new culture through the beauty of language learning.
Lorena’s fifth grade Mandarin class.
As she applied for college, she joined the Ron Brown Leaders Network, without which, she would not have learned about academic and professional opportunities that support Black students. In college, DEI efforts allowed her to thrive, with additional opportunities set aside for low-income and underrepresented students. She greatly appreciated student diversity organzations including the Black Student Coalition who supported her professional and academic endeavors. Without diversity focused student organizations, she would not have felt able to show up as her full, authentic self on campus.
Continuing to study Mandarin in college and into graduate school, she was introduced to organizations including the National Association for Black Engagement with Asia (NABEA) and Black China Caucus (BCC) who provided opportunities for her to explore careers in international relations. Without the support of NABEA and the BCC, she would not have seen herself represented in US-Asia related fields.
Lorena at a virtual NABEA Meetup.
After graduating, she finds herself in a dream career as a full-time landscape conservationist, supporting environmental non-profits and leading efforts in Charlotte, NC with Black Girl Environmentalist (BGE), an organization that supports Black women, girls, and non-binary folks in all-things sustainability. Without BGE, she would struggle to feel adequately represented in her environmental career pursuits.
Lorena at a Black Girl Environmentalist Event in Charlotte.
While I cannot predict alternate realities with 100% accuracy, I can say for certain that these DEI and federally funded programs had a tangible impact on my personal, academic, and professional experiences. Receiving support from DEI or federally funded programs should never diminish one’s achievements or place in society. The individuals and institutions working to create space for everyone, rather than reinforcing the status quo, are truly invaluable.
