Ericka Jones is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professional for over 12 years. In her current role, she collaborates with key stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies that will increase diversity, build and sustain inclusive behaviors to generate equitable outcomes. Founder of the Yoga Coalition, an alliance for combined action bringing inclusion, equity, and diversity to the yoga community. Ericka is a 200-hr yoga teacher and lululemon brand ambassador. Bringing diversity, mindfulness, and inclusion into spaces is her purpose and passion. In This Episode:

• How co-host Brittany Simone and Ericka met and connected in a moment of discussion about the need for more inclusive athleisure.
• Ericka spoke up about swim caps at the Olympics during a Lululemon onboarding meeting as a way to call-in athletic and athleisure brands to be more inclusive to create a new norm.
• The ways that anti-blackness affect athletes with afro-textured hair.
• Self-inquiry and curiosity as a way to do the work.
• How the principles of yoga such as self-study and non-harming, can support anti-racism work.
• Calling people out versus calling people in and the necessity for both in anti-racism and social justice work.
• Ericka shares about The Yoga Coalition as a way to create more equitable spaces in the yoga industry.
• Cultural appropriation in yoga and wellness spaces and her suggestions on how to not perpetuate appropriation, tokenism, and causing more harm.
• Erika's hopes that we must understand that while anti-racism and decolonization may be challenging in the beginning, we must persevere and trust we will figure it out.
• Ericka's hopes and dreams for an equitable future.

Full Show Notes:

• Ericka Jones Instagram
• Yoga Coalition Instagram
• Yoga Coalition Website
• Michelle Johnson Episode
• Laura Chung Instagram
• Brittany Simone Anderson Instagram
• The Werk Podcast Instagram
• The Werk Podcast Website
• YouTube Channel

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