In the latest Education Marketing Leader podcast episode, I sat down with Maria Kuntz, Communications Director at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Maria shared her unexpected journey into higher education marketing and her commitment to inclusivity in communication. 💡

Key insights for higher education marketing professionals:

♦ Inclusivity Starts with Acknowledgment:

Recognizing you don’t have all the answers is the first step toward fostering an inclusive environment.

♦ Training is Crucial:

Educating your team on bias and identity reduces fear around discussions of difference, enhancing inclusivity in your campaigns.

♦ Safety to Learn:

A psychologically safe team space encourages learning from mistakes, which is vital for developing inclusive storytelling.

♦ Be Intentional with Storytelling:

It’s about lifting diverse voices and ensuring content resonates authentically with a wide audience, respecting cultural nuances.

♦ Retention Focus: Beyond attracting underrepresented students, focus on creating supportive environments to improve retention.

♦ Mindful Questioning:

Avoid unnecessary identity-based questions in interviews unless they serve a clear purpose in the context.

♦ Navigating DEI Initiatives:

With shifting policies, it’s essential to adapt and maintain a commitment to diverse and inclusive narratives.

♦ Start Small and Be Curious:

Implementing an inclusive mindset in marketing strategies begins with one project. Approach it with curiosity and be open to feedback.

Maria’s advice emphasizes the importance of slowing down to ensure the inclusivity of both the process and the narrative.

For those looking to explore inclusive marketing practices in higher education more deeply, connecting with Maria on LinkedIn could offer further insights.

Listen to the full episode for a comprehensive understanding of integrating these principles into your marketing strategies.

#HigherEdMarketing #InclusiveMarketing #EducationMarketingLeader