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.