Jiquanda Nelson was the guest on this episode of Cascading Leadership. She is the CEO of Diversity Window, a technology organization that focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is  a mother of three, a distance runner, and an avid community activist. She also serves on many boards, including the PTA president. Jiquanda discussed her background and origin story, which included her passion for wanting to help the younger generation navigate organizations and environments where they may be the only one that looks different. She also discussed her role as the ultimate hype woman and how she likes to make people feel seen and heard.

Jiquanda shared her experience growing up in a small, diverse town where she was the only black student in the gifted program. She had many friends and was a very sociable person, but still found it difficult to fit in at times. As she grew older, she understood how much her different experiences had shaped her. She realized that the education experience of black students was different and that they often did not get the same opportunities or access to resources as other students. Through her experience, she was able to learn the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how it can create a more equitable educational system.

Jiquanda grew up in a family that emphasized the importance of taking care of the community. This mentality has been with her throughout her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and she feels it is her responsibility to speak up when she sees someone suffering. Family has been an integral part of her views and values, and has been the foundation for her work.

Timestamps

00:00:00

 Exploring the Origin Story of an Ultimate Hype Woman and Diversity Advocate

00:03:19

 Reflections on Growing Up in a Small Town and Experiencing a Culture Shock at a Historically Black College and University

00:06:37

 The Impact of Family on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work

00:09:17

Conversation on Experiences of Growing Up and College Life at Florida A&M University

00:14:48

Reflection on Working with At-Risk Youth

00:17:46

 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategies with Jiquanda Nelson

00:23:00

Mentorship and Sponsorship: Keys to Advocating for Yourself

00:25:57

Conversation on Communication, Feedback, and Managing Upwards

00:29:35

Conversation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategies for Business Success

00:35:49

Conversation on Building an Effective D&I Program

00:39:38

Conversation on the Benefits of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace

00:45:17

Building an Inclusive Organizational Culture

00:50:21

Key Leadership Takeaways for Career Advancement

00:53:28

Heading: Creating a Space for People to Show Up at Their Best: The Importance of Doing the Work to Understand Experiences

Music Credit: Music Credit: Maarten Schellekens - Riviera

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