Episode Description

Dr. Ashley Storman shares her journey into teaching and higher education, starting with her experience in a Jumpstart program for first-generation, low-income students. She worked in admissions and recruitment, focusing on underrepresented minority students. She then transitioned to working with college students in the Office of Multicultural Student Services and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Storman also started programs like the Women's Empowerment Network and conducted focus groups to address retention concerns for underrepresented minorities. She emphasizes the importance of resources, community, and representation in supporting student success. The conversation explores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the challenges faced in implementing DEI initiatives. It highlights the generational differences in attitudes towards DEI, with younger generations being more accepting and supportive. The conversation also emphasizes the need for action and accountability in DEI efforts, rather than just focusing on content. Dr. Ashley Storman shares examples of how she has helped individuals and organizations who care about DEI but don't know how to implement it. She discusses the process of conducting research, providing recommendations, and measuring outcomes in DEI consulting. The financial viability of DEI consulting is also discussed, with the potential for success depending on an individual's experience, commitment, and reputation. Dr. Ashley Storman shares her own experience of balancing DEI consulting with her role in human resources. The conversation concludes by highlighting the importance of DEI for everyone and the need for self-care and advocacy in the DEI journey.

Key Takeaways

Dr. Ashley Storman's journey into teaching and higher education started with her participation in a Jumpstart program for first-generation, low-income students.
She worked in admissions and recruitment, focusing on underrepresented minority students, and later transitioned to working with college students in the Office of Multicultural Student Services and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Dr. Storman started programs like the Women's Empowerment Network and conducted focus groups to address retention concerns for underrepresented minorities.
She highlights the importance of resources, community, and representation in supporting student success. Younger generations are more accepting and supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
DEI efforts should focus on action and accountability, rather than just content.
DEI consulting can be financially viable, but success depends on experience, commitment, and reputation.
Balancing DEI consulting with other responsibilities requires self-care and setting boundaries.
DEI is for everyone and requires education, advocacy, and passion.
Underrepresented minority groups should be aware of the importance of DEI and the need for self-care and balance in the DEI journey.

Meet Our Guest

Dr. Ashley Storman is the Founder and Educational Consultant of The Storman Group, LLC. As a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, Scholar, Practitioner, Educator, and Author, she brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, human resources, and DEI initiatives. Dr. Storman excels in consulting, recruitment, retention, leadership development, mentorship programs, affinity groups, teaching, and strategic collaboration. Her work focuses on implementing programs and strategies that support marginalized communities, educate allies, and foster inclusive environments. A published author, Dr. Storman’s research emphasizes the leadership development of African American women aspiring to academic leadership. She is a fellow of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Leadership Program and has served on the boards of the American Advertising Federation STL, the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators Center for Women, and Rides N' School Supply. Currently, she is a board member for Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, a committee member for Girls Inc., and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Identifying as a Christian, wife, and mother, Dr. Storman is committed to her personal and professional communities.