Dr. Janice Underwood, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia joins host Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss her role and impact as the country’s first cabinet-level diversity professional. She shares details about the DE&I initiatives her team has instituted and what she’s done to ensure these efforts continue in future administrations, the critical race theory debate in Virginia and its role in the most recent gubernatorial election, and her plans following the Northam administration's transition out of office. 

In This Episode

·     The diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives established under Dr. Underwood's leadership, including ONE Virginia, the first statewide strategic plan for inclusive excellence across more than 100 state agencies.

·      The steps Dr. Underwood has taken to ensure that the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of the Northam Administration will continue with future administrations. 

·      Dr. Underwood’s path from special education biology teacher to appointed government officer. 

·      Why the Commonwealth of Virginia has declared racism a public health crisis and how the Northam Administration has addressed this issue. 

·      Misconceptions about critical race theory and how the governor’s office is using CRT to reform manifestations of racism in Virginia law. 

Resources

·        Dr. Janice Underwood

·        Dr. Vanessa Weaver

·        Alignment Strategies

·        ONE Virginia 

·        Commonwealth of Virginia COVID-19 Equity Leadership Task Force

·        Critical Race Theory: A Brief History

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